A 100-acre site in Country Club Hills was once eyed as for a large outlet mall, but after plans fell through the owners are looking at turning the space in a warehouse distribution site. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, a representative of the property owners says they are still in the early stages of pursuing and planning an industrial site. 

First proposed in summer 2007, the Chicagoland Outlets were proposed for the space, which would include 50 name-brand stores, 400,000 to 500,000 square feet of retail space, restaurants, and other tenants. The first phase of the center was expected to open shop in 2009, but owners had difficulty leasing the space to large retailers that would draw attention to the shops.

Not only did the recession also throw a wrench in the plans for the outlet mall, but the opening of the Rosemont Fashion Outlets of Chicago in 2013 put a damper on the excitement. 

Under the initial plan, officials touted the development as one that would bring about 600 jobs and produce $150 million yearly in sales. Now that the owners have switched gears, no numbers for these and other specs have been confirmed. Square footage of warehouse space and potential users of the buildings are among the mysteries. 

Today, an electronic billboard reads an announcement for a “major new development” for the space. The owners have been in preliminary talks with potential users of the land, which is being envisioned as light industrial. However, that doesn’t mean that restaurants and retail companies can’t open up shop in the warehouse spaces.

The property will require rezoning from the current commercial use. Discussions are expected at City Council meetings to gain community input, and the property owners are remaining sensitive to those locals who expected a large shopping center in their neighborhood.