AURORA, ILL. — Simon Property Group has broken ground on a 50-store expansion of Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora. The multi-million dollar project will expand the outlet center by almost two-thirds for a future total of more than 170 stores. Among the new retailers slated to open in late spring 2015 will be Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, which will join the center’s current list of designer and name brands, including Adidas, Coach, Gap Outlet, Kate Spade New York, Levi's, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Theory, Vera Bradley and more. Expansion plans include the addition of fire pits, art installations, a pond, and the addition of approximately 1,900 parking spaces. The new stores will occupy 45 acres on a vacant industrial site just east of the current Chicago Premium Outlets at Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road. The project also calls for renovation of the existing center, including enhanced landscaping and newly paved sidewalks, upgraded seating and lounge areas, improved lighting, a fresh new paint color scheme and updates to the center's food offerings.
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