The city of St. Charles and Krausz Companies this week unveiled a new vision for the Charlestowne Mall — “The Quad,” an ambitious model with walkable interior streets and an eclectic mix of retail, dining, entertainment and residential uses.

According to an update by St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina, posted on the city’s website, the new mall will build on the strength of the existing retail anchors — Von Maur, Carson’s and Classic Cinema theater — “by adding a residential component that reflects the values and high standards of the neighborhood and the community.”

Neither the city nor the Krausz Companies website earmarks a specific timetable for the mall’s transformation, but Rogina says Krausz Companies soon will present a revised concept plan to the City Council.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery will be opening its newest location at The Quad next year, with construction expected to begin in July and a grand opening slated for Spring of 2017.

“The addition of Cooper’s Hawk has generated further interest in the project from other food and entertainment users, with additional tenants in final lease negotiation and announcements expected in the near future,” Rogina said.

In addition, Carson Pirie Scott has announced that it is adding furniture to its merchandise mix at this location and is developing plans to remodel its store shortly thereafter, Rogina said. The Chicago Tribune reports this week that Carson’s owner Bon-Ton Stores plans to expand its furniture and mattress business into nine Illinois locations, including the store St. Charles.

Classic Cinemas will also be undergoing a remodel in the near future, Rogina said, including but not limited to replacing its existing seats with state-of-the-art larger seats, and installing a new public entrance.

Meanwhile, the Krausz Companies is actively marketing the concept and hopes to “pre-lease” 242,000 square feet of retail and dining shop space.

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The plan calls for an “exciting, new redesign built around the shopping and dining experience in the St. Charles suburb of Chicago,” and includes creative children’s play areas, intimate fireside seating, and other gathering spots for socializing.

Rogina said the Krausz Companies purchased the Charlestowne Mall two years ago with the intention of redeveloping the center as a traditional enclosed mall. But since that time, the retail environment has changed.

That resulted in both a name change and a new direction for the project that incorporates retail, dining, entertainment and residential uses.

“The Krausz Companies has been working with city staff to further develop plans that the city of St. Charles and the adjacent residential community can embrace,” Rogina said. “As these plans come together we will share them with the community.”