Plaza Del Lago 'Revival' Will Bring 13 New Stores To Wilmette

WILMETTE, IL — Three of thirteen new businesses have opened up at Plaza del Lago, the historic open-air shopping destination in the heart of the North Shore.

Two fashion brands from opposite coasts opened up their doors on Wednesday.James Perse, founded in Los Angeles, California, is known for its signature west coast indoor/outdoor inspired style. Rag & Bone, from New York City, draws influences from New York's pulse.

Jenny Kane, another California brand, is best known for its wardrobe staples and an arrangement of home decor and furniture and is scheduled to open on Friday. When it opens, the store plans to host special events and activations, including floral pick-ups on Fridays.

Next to open up will be Space 519 on Aug. 1. The Wilmette location will be the Chicago brand's second location.

Stores still set to move in beginning this month include:

• Oscar de la Renta
• LoveShackFantasy
• Cynthia Rowly
• Hill House Home
• Peter Millar
• La Vie Style House
• Pilatesville
• Studs
• Veronica Beard

"While we hope to attract a broad new audience with these beloved brands, we will never lose our commitment to serving our local community and are just as excited to see kids playing hopscotch on our sidewalks as we are to see customers patronizing our businesses. This is and will always be a place to come and sit as much as it is a place to come and shop,”said Samantha David, President of WS Development.

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 surrounded neighborhood.

Under, the ownership of WS Development, the shopping center is undergoing a revival to preserve its historic character while introducing premiere retailers and modern amenities. Enhancements include building restorations, infrastructure upgrades, lush landscaping, inviting gathering spaces, wide strolling paths and improved signage, seating and lighting.

"It is both humbling and inspiring to take over the care of an icon and strive to do right by it but that’s what we’ve done since the day we bought it and the line up we announce today is everything we could have hoped for and more in terms of ushering this storied destination into its next chapter," David said.