By Sara Siekierski
For StatelineBusiness

ROCKFORD -- The CherryVale Mall has a new addition to its almost 2 million-square-foot, two-level shopping center -- a 64,000-square-foot addition called The District at CherryVale.

The District at CherryVale, which had its grand opening celebration in November, is located in the mall's southwest parking lot. The District is a lifestyle addition to the mall designed to look and feel like an old-fashioned 1950s downtown environment, said CherryVale Mall Marketing Director Cindy Hindes. The addition is geared more towards people age 30 and up who are looking for something different than they might find in department stores.

"The stores are more geared towards a particular lifestyle," Hindes said. "The District at CherryVale has more of a moderate to upper income feel to it."

The District features seven businesses. The first to join The District was Granite City Food & Brewery. The other businesses are Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Lane Bryant & Cacique, Jos. A. Bank, Portrait Innovations and Talbots. Asha SalonSpa, and Aveda Lifestyle SalonSpa opened in April and is the first Asha SalonSpa in the Rock River Valley. Asha offers services such as manicures, pedicures, hair care and spa treatments.

The District at CherryVale development also included the building of a new 31,000 square-foot Barne's and Noble Booksellers store, which opened in November and replaced the Barne's and Noble on State Street in Rockford.

Since opening, The District has been well received by customers, Hindes said. Within their chain, Granite City has been in the top three since opening in July.

"The community has really embraced Granite City," Hindes said.

Before the addition of The District, many Chico's and Coldwater Creek customers had to travel to Chicago.

"Now we're able to keep those dollars closer to home," Hindes said.

The District still has three available spots, which Hindes said are being looked at by potential retailers.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, Hindes said The District is looking into using places outdoors to host outside vendors. The District also plans to have an outdoor nursery where customers can come and buy all of their plants and flowers.

"The District is going to be a nice gathering place," Hindes said.

The District at Cherryvale is open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.

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