Walter E. Smithe to Expand into Former Great Escape Space at Edens Plaza The Illinois-based furniture and design company Walter E. Smithe is set to occupy the former Great Escape location at Edens Plaza in Wilmette, according to village officials. The move, announced during a Village Board meeting on April 28, marks the company’s planned expansion into the massive, newly vacant Suite 390, which had previously housed The Great Escape. Lisa Brosnan, Wilmette’s business development planner, confirmed that Walter E. Smithe aims to open its new location in 2027. The Great Escape, a popular retail and entertainment space, vacated Edens Plaza in late 2025, relocating to a new site in Northbrook. Brosnan expressed enthusiasm about the development, noting that the size of the space makes it a significant opportunity for the company. She added that Walter E. Smithe intends to enhance the area, making it more appealing for customers. The lease agreement for Suite 390 was recently finalized, according to Brosnan. WS Development, the owner of Edens Plaza, had previously shared details about Walter E. Smithe’s plans in a letter sent to the Village on April 20. The letter outlined a “34-page submission package titled ‘Proposed Walter E. Smithe Showroom,’” which includes proposed modifications to both the interior and exterior of the space. WS Development had previously considered dividing the large storefront into multiple smaller spaces after The Great Escape’s departure. However, with Walter E. Smithe’s lease secured, there are no indications the mall’s owner plans to subdivide the area again. This approach mirrors a strategy used in the past to fill another vacant storefront at Edens Plaza, which had been home to Bed Bath and Beyond. That space was split into three separate units.#great_escape #walter_e_smithe #edens_plaza #wilmette #ws_development
