Monarch Landing	UPDATED: Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Write a Comment on Story Print Email Story Add to Favorites

New trend in shopping hits Naperville

Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007

‘Mixed-use’ retail project gives traditional mall a run for its money

By Melissa Borgerding
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The days of the sprawling shopping mall may be numbered. A research survey conducted by National Real Estate Investor and Retail Traffic magazines shows the traditional mall rapidly losing ground as a new trend sweeps the retail landscape.

Combining retail, entertainment, and office space in an attractive, pedestrianfriendly setting, “mixed-use” developments create the feel of an open-air town square, and provide an eye-pleasing alternative to the boxy, enclosed mall of years past.

Now, this new trend is hitting Naperville. With the arrival of the CityGate Centre, Illinois’ third largest city is on the verge of becoming the number one shopping and dining destination outside of Chicago.

Coming soon
“CityGate Centre is going to be an oasis where you will experience the best of the city in the suburbs,” said Dan Slack, president of Calamos Real Estate LLC, during a presentation at Monarch Landing. Calamos is developing the exciting project. “This is an enclave to work, shop, relax, and play.”

Construction is steaming ahead. Already, Riva restaurant of Chicago’s Navy Pier is open for lunch and dinner. Specializing in seafood, steaks, and pasta, the restaurant is just a taste of what’s to come. When complete, CityGate Centre will encompass 31 acres, with 150,000 square feet of additional dining and retail, not to mention walking and running trails, a hotel, and a performing arts center, expected to seat between 350 and 500.

The center of culture
This new development between I-88 and Route 59 puts Monarch Landing at the center of Naperville’s cultural hub.

Monarch Landing

More Monarch Landing

Read or Add a Comment?

A call to end Erie Pa.'s relationship with "sister city" Zibo, China, and all Chinese imports.

No URL for Riderwood Blog

Laughter Yoga

Happy hour hot spots?

Model yacht clubs

Your thoughts on Reflexology

Tools

Write a Comment on Story

Email Story

Add to Favorites

“We’re excited to have such a wonderful destination so close to home—right across from our campus,” says Joe Zukauskas, the community’s marketing director. “Our Naperville location is such a huge draw for many of the people who decide to move to Monarch Landing. CityGate Centre is only going to add to all of the great things already here.”

Shopping, dining, history
With a population of about 140,000, Naperville is already host to a summer music series, year-round festivals like the recent Chocolate Festival, and 1,849 acres of scenic forest preserve. A walk down bustling Washington Street provides a glimpse at the endless shopping and dining opportunities—from nationally recognized chains to locally owned cafés housed in historic buildings.

Naperville’s charm and pioneer past drew John and Ginny Markey. “We’ve loved every place we ever lived, including Naperville for all the history here,” says John. The Markeys were excited to hear about an Erickson retirement community opening right in Naperville. “The thing that appeals to me about Monarch Landing is the area,” says John. “We both do volunteer work, so we can continue to do that without any effort. We’re within three miles of our church, which we love dearly.”

Love affair with Naperville
The Markeys aren’t the only ones singing the town’s praises. In 2006, Moneymagazine named Naperville one of the top places to live in America. The AARP listed it among the top ten towns for retirement, while Walking magazine recognized it as one of the country’s ten best walking towns. Even the Naperville public library system ranks among the American Library Association’s best picks.

Future of shopping
Now, Naperville residents, and those who live at Monarch Landing in particular, will enjoy even more options with CityGate Centre, which promises to re-create the setting of a downtown shopping district, without the hassle of driving and parking downtown.

With this new project underway, more and more people may begin to bypass the mall for a shopping experience that is far more unique and convenient. “As the name suggests, CityGate Centre will be a gateway to a unique urban experience with all the excitement that the term ‘city’ brings to mind,” said Slack.