Governor Quinn Opens New Rosemont Outlet Mall

ROSEMONT – Governor Pat Quinn today joined local and company officials to open the new Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a new 120-store mall off Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont that will employ about 2,000 people. The development was made possible in part by an Illinois Tollway project completed in 2011 and designed to improve business development throughout the area. Today’s appearance is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to create jobs and move Illinois’ economy forward.

“Large retail business centers like this one are powerful economic engines for Illinois and that’s why we’ve made it a priority to invest in transportation projects that pave the way for economic growth,” Governor Quinn said. “This outlet mall will create jobs and draw shoppers from miles around, which in turn boosts the local economy with their purchases.”

The new 530,000 square-foot property is minutes away from O’Hare International Airport, and includes a mix of mid to high-end retail outlet shops.

The Illinois Tollway’s $16 million all-electronic ramp creating access from the northbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294) to Balmoral Avenue provided the transportation access necessary for the mall project. More than one million vehicles use the Balmoral Avenue exit ramp annually, which provides alternate access to O’Hare International Airport and also offers direct access to the Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont Theatre, dozens of hotels, entertainment district and The Fashion Outlets of Chicago.

The road improvements were made under an intergovernmental agreement between the village and Tollway, under Governor Quinn’s leadership. The governor has made transportation investments a top priority since taking office, and fought for the largest capital construction program in state history, which is supporting more than 400,000 jobs over six years.

“The people of Rosemont are very excited to celebrate the opening of the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which will drive economic growth across the region,” Mayor Brad Stephens said. “We would not be here today with a brand new mall and 2,000 brand new jobs if it weren’t for Governor Pat Quinn and his commitment to our transportation system and business climate.”

Under the Governor leadership, the state of Illinois has identified, recruited and supported companies with the potential to bring jobs and economic growth to Illinois. The state has added 237,900 private sector jobs since January 2010, when job growth returned to Illinois following nearly two years of consecutive monthly declines.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit http://illinoisbiz.biz.