Meeting on Westfield Hawthorn Expansion Slated for July 17

Vernon Hills Trustees will hold a combined village board and committee-of-the-whole meeting July 17 to see a concept presentation regarding Westfield Hawthorn's expansion and renovation plans.

Assistant Village Manager John Kalmar said the presentation will largely focus on signage and architectural design, including building materials and colors. He said the board will not be asked to make decisions at the meeting but instead to just give guidance on the project.

Westfield wants to construct a 12-screen, 1,600-seat movie theater on the north side of the mall between JC Penney and Sears, according to committee-of-the-whole meeting minutes from April 17.

The addition could also include shopping and restaurant space. Additional proposed improvements include remodeling the entrance canopies at all mall entrances and upgrading the mall's signage.

The combined meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.