History

Considered a “Crown Jewel” of regional shopping centers, Westfield Old Orchard was constructed in 1956 as a prototype of the open shopping mall concept. Recognized as an innovator in environmental planning, the premier open-air center attracted outstanding merchants and inspired inventive merchandising design.

In response to post-WWII suburban expansion, developer Philip Klutznick, commissioned Loebl, Schlossman and Bennett (now Loebl, Schlossman and Hackl) to design Old Orchard at a site with easy access to the new Edens Expressway, which had been constructed to serve the growing suburban population.

The original anchor stores were Marshall Field’s and The Fair Department Store, renamed Montgomery Ward in 1964. Since many prospective merchants wanted to be near Marshall Field’s, it was placed in the center of the site. In 1959, Saks Fifth Avenue opened and in 1979 Lord & Taylor joined the center.

In 1995, a major revitalization plan transformed the shopping center many North Shore residents had valued since 1956. A significant portion of the remerchandising included the addition of Nordstrom in 1994 and Bloomingdale’s in September 1995.

The new design maintained the center’s landmark outdoor mall environment with its award-winning garden décor, original sculptures, sparkling fountains and open-air play area for children. A customer service center, enclosed food court, new specialty stores and parking decks added to the center’s offerings.

In 2008, Westfield Old Orchard completed the revitalization of the northeast section of the center with a beautifully landscaped plaza, in place of the former Saks Fifth Avenue building. Soon after, a stellar collection of new shops and restaurants, including Zara, L.L.Bean and Crate & Barrel, complemented the plaza.

Presently, the center totals nearly 1.8 million square feet and is considered the premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination on Chicago’s North Shore.