Darien Shopping Center To Be Remade: City

DARIEN, IL – The new owner of Darien's Chestnut Court shopping center, which has a number of vacancies, plans to redevelop it, the mayor said Monday.

The last few years have been tough for the shopping center at 7511 Lemont Road, with up to 60 percent vacancy at one point, Mayor Joseph Marchese told the City Council. The center includes Ross Dress for Less and the Salvation Army store.

The city had been trying to work with the former owner to improve the center, but the owner blocked those efforts, the mayor said.

A new company closed on the shopping center Oct. 30 and plans major changes, Marchese said.

City officials have met with the New Jersey-based developer at least twice.

"Our dreams matched his dreams," the mayor said. "We'll have a shopping center that's really a gem for the people of the city of Darien."

The new owner, Kumar Bhavanasi, plans a mixed-use development, including residential and retail, the mayor said. The housing will be two, three or possibly four stories, he said.

"He truly believes that he has to spend money in order to make money with this shopping center," Marchese said. "So he's not hesitant to work with us and spend the money. That's not saying we're not going to be asked to do something as well."

Alderman Eric Gustafson, whose Ward 6 includes the shopping center, said he was impressed with the new owner.

"These developments are not new to him," Gustafson said. "He's really got his act together."

The mayor said the developer plans another meeting with city officials shortly before Christmas. That's when architectural renderings are expected to be presented.

Bhavanasi declined to comment Wednesday.