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The Promenade Bolingbrook
The grand opening of The Promenade Bolingbrook on April
26, 2007, had it all: great sales, packed sidewalks and
parking lots, hot celebrities, amazing entertainment
and nearly half a million dollars raised for charity.
The
Promenade Bolingbrook energized the Bolingbrook
community with nearly 60 shops,
anchors and eateries,
along with an unforgettable charity event that will
make a difference for years to come. With Phase III
coming this fall, the future is certainly bright for
the greater Chicago area.
Welcoming the children
The children stood shoulder to shoulder with proud parents
and local residents cheering them on. Bolingbrook Mayor
Roger Claar, joined by Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital
CEO Isaac Palmer and a host of Forest City associates,
cut the ribbon and officially opened The Promenade Bolingbrook.
“Together, we’ve built a place where families
can gather and enjoy shopping and dining,” said
Brian Ratner, president of East Coast Development. “We
hope this will become Bolingbrook’s gathering place
for it’s residents.”
Brian Ratner made a special point to thank all the Forest
City departments and associates who made the center possible.
He singled out Jerry Ferstman, vice president of East
Coast Development, and Valerie Westley, development director,
Commercial Development, for their contributions.
He went on to thank Mayor Claar. “The Promenade
was Roger’s vision and dream, and we helped make
it a reality,” Brian Ratner said.
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the teamwork that
lead to the creation of the center. In a special presentation,
Brian Ratner handed Palmer an additional check from Forest
City for $50,000.
Energized by hot chocolate from
Macy’s and treats
from Mrs. Field’s, visitors began exploring immediately. “It’s
open!” shouted one shopper to another outside Gymboree
as they ducked inside.
“It’s great!” said Suzanne Beste,
a Bolingbrook resident. “I’m a stay-at-home
mom, so to be able to come out here with my kids is going
to be fun,” she added. “It just brings more
pride to Bolingbrook.”
“And my husband’s thrilled with Bass Pro,” she
added. |
