Lauded Chicago Retailer Opening Location In Wilmette

WILMETTE, IL — Chicago's premier fashion and lifestyle destination SPACE 519 is set to open its second location in Wilmette at Plaza del Lago early next month.

The 6,000-square-foot store will feature fashion, beauty and home collections as well as three food concepts.

The new store will operate under the motto “Everything is Cooler by the Lake,” offering ready-to-wear collections sourced from designers around the world. SPACE 519 will launch with fine jewelry partners like Spinelli Kilcollin and Gabriela Artigas, and feature a residency with CFDA winner Nak Armstrong.

Owned and operated by Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, the duo travels the globe to bring offerings back to the Chicagoland.

“Jim and I are incredibly excited about this project. For years, we have looked for the right opportunity on the North Shore and the redevelopment of Plaza del Lago is a dream scenario,” Lawson said. “We are constantly traveling in search of the coolest brands and we cannot wait to share our findings with the lakefront communities when the store opens next year.” 

The Lunchroom will be a 50-seat sit-down restaurant and The Lunchbox will be a cafe featuring barista drinks, baked goods and grab-and-go snacks. All new at the Wilmette location, SPACE 519 will include The Lago Room, a stylish 40-seat European-style cafe during the day and a chic locale for drinks in the afternoon and evening.

Much like its Gold Coast location, the Wilmette SPACE 519 will feature continuous breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch service with a vegetable-forward, California-style menu focused on locally-sourced ingredients.

Plaza del Lago, built in the 1920s, is one of the oldest open-air shopping centers in the U.S. The property is known for charming Spanish-style architecture and seamless integration into the surrounding neighborhood.

Under, the ownership of WS Development, the shopping center is undergoing a revival to preserve its historic character while introducing premier retailers and modern amenities. Enhancements

include building restorations, infrastructure upgrades, lush landscaping, inviting gathering spaces, wide strolling paths and improved signage, seating and lighting.