Lumen Fox Valley mall-to-apartments conversion completes interiors

Architecture and interior design firm Morgante Wilson Architects (MWA) today released photos of its completed interiors work at Lumen Fox Valley, a new 304-unit luxury rental mall-to-apartments conversion from developers Atlantic Residential and Focus that repositioned a portion of the Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, Ill.

MWA also announced it has been tapped by Atlantic and Focus as the interiors partner for Lucca Fox Valley, which will replace a former department store with 323 luxury apartments as part of the second phase of the mall’s redevelopment.

Lumen Fox Valley: Luxury Mall-to-Apartments Conversion

“While multifamily work is just one niche of our interiors practice, we’ve honed an approach that aligns our expertise in creating comfortable, one-of-kind single-family residences with our ability to understand and execute on developers’ priorities,” said Elissa Morgante, Co-founder of Morgante Wilson Architects. “We’re eager to build on what we started with Lumen Fox Valley and work with this same team to create another compelling setting that enhances the lifestyle of residents and differentiates the community.”

Common Spaces + Units

For Lumen Fox Valley, which repurposed a vacant Sears store and its adjacent parking lot, the MWA team designed all common spaces and amenities including a two-story lobby and lounge, private dining room and parlor, club room, game room, fitness and yoga studio, and pet spa.

MWA also curated the finish package for all units, including selections for kitchens, baths and flooring, and designed and furnished the model unit apartments.

“While we think carefully about the overall aesthetic we’re creating for a multifamily property, which in this case is warm, contemporary and timeless with a sophisticated color palette, we place equal emphasis on the mix of amenity spaces, the programming they offer to enhance resident lifestyle, and how they interplay with each other,” said K. Tyler, Partner, MWA. “For Lumen Fox Valley, the amenity areas flow into one another to create a variety of shared, open spaces for social interaction, but also include several more intimate spaces for small group gatherings or working from home.”

Lumen Fox Valley was designed by Torti Gallas + Partners and HKM Architects + Planners. Focus was the general contractor, with financing through USAA Real Estate.

Second Phase Underway

For Lucca Fox Valley in the second phase of the Fox Valley Mall redevelopment, Atlantic and Focus are building 323 luxury apartments in space previously occupied by a Carson Pirie Scott store.

As the interiors partner, MWA is collaborating with the development team on the interior design of all amenities and common areas, which will include the lobby, a club room, bar and lounge, coworking space, a private dining room and entertainment kitchen, fitness and yoga studio, and a pet spa. MWA will also curate the finish selections for all units, in addition to designing two furnished model apartments.

Construction is underway on the new community, with first move-ins expected in spring of 2025.

On the Building Team
Developers: Atlantic Residential and Focus
Architects: Torti Gallas + Partners and HKM Architects + Planners
Interior designer: Morgante Wilson Architects
General contractor: Focus