Details have been revealed for a major facelift coming to the Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Located at 520 North Michigan Avenue, the multi-story indoor mall has long served as an anchor along the southern portion of the retail corridor spread across multiple large buildings. Efforts are being led by its current owner, Pacific Life Insurance Company.
Rendering of Shops at Northbridge by ParkFowler Plus
While some structures date back to the 1920s, the current integrated mall was opened in 2000 and holds over 670,000 square feet of retail space, including a flagship Nordstrom and other major anchors like Eataly. After some rough years around the pandemic, the mall was returned to its lender, who will undertake the $40 million renovation.
Rendering of Shops at Northbridge by ParkFowler Plus
Designed by local architecture firm ParkFowler Plus, the project would start with a new statement entrance along Michigan Avenue featuring a revised glass exterior, added screens, signage, and lighting. This will lead to a new atrium bar under a large sculptural installation. According to Crain’s, this would replace the current entrance pop-up space.
Rendering of Shops at Northbridge by ParkFowler Plus
The main mall corridor will receive new architectural finishes, including wood slats, lighter-toned panels, and added lighting, hoping to attract new retailers. Additionally, the rear entrance along East Grand Avenue and North Rush Street would also be fully re-clad in a similar bronze-toned panel as the front and incorporate new large-scale display screens.
Rendering of Shops at Northbridge by ParkFowler Plus
Other minor changes will also be included, such as signage and wayfinding upgrades and repairs to existing elements. The project comes as Water Tower Place announced its own major redevelopment, along with early plans for Nike to relocate its long-term flagship to the mall and replace the former Forever 21 space. Work will kick off soon and be completed in 2027.
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Neat. I’m glad they are refurbishing this space.