Walter E. Smithe to Open in Wilmette's Edens Plaza as E-Bike Safety Crisis Grows

Key facts

• Walter E. Smithe will occupy Suite 390 at Edens Plaza, a 335,000-square-foot shopping center.
• The Great Escape vacated the space in late 2025 to relocate to Northbrook.
• Wilmette Business Development Planner Lisa Brosnan confirmed the planned opening in 2027.
• WS Development, owner of Edens Plaza, submitted a 34-page proposal for interior and exterior modifications.
• Wayfair opened its first brick-and-mortar store at Edens Plaza in 2024 in a former Carson Pirie Scott space.
• In Ogden, New York, police have seen a significant increase in underage e-bike riders ignoring traffic laws.
• A Bethel Park crash involved a juvenile e-biker hitting a car after failing to stop at a stop sign.
• New York State law prohibits e-bike use on public roads for anyone under 16.

A New Tenant for a Vacant Storefront

Walter E. Smithe, the Illinois-based furniture and design company, is planning a new location in Wilmette’s Edens Plaza, village officials announced during a Village Board meeting on April 28. The company hopes to set up shop in Suite 390, the massive storefront that previously housed The Great Escape, which departed in late 2025 for a new location in nearby Northbrook. Lisa Brosnan, Wilmette’s business development planner, said Walter E. Smithe aims to open in 2027.

Lease Signed, Renovations Planned

Brosnan told The Record after the meeting that the lease at Edens Plaza was “recently signed.” She expressed excitement about the development, noting the size of the space and the improvements the company plans to make. WS Development, the Boston-based owner of Edens Plaza, sent a letter to the Village on April 20 detailing Walter E. Smithe’s intentions to modify both the interior and exterior of the suite. The letter references a “34-page submission package titled ‘Proposed Walter E. Smithe Showroom.’”

Changing Strategy for Large Vacancies

After The Great Escape’s exit, WS Development representatives had considered subdividing the large storefront into multiple smaller units, a tactic they previously used for the former Bed Bath and Beyond space. However, with Walter E. Smithe now committed to the entire suite, there is no indication the mall owner will pursue that approach. The addition continues a wave of new tenants at Edens Plaza since WS Development acquired the 335,000-square-foot center in late 2021.

E-Bike Safety Emerges as Parallel Crisis

In a separate but concurrent development, town and village officials in Ogden, New York, are urgently appealing to parents to address a growing safety problem involving children riding e-bikes and electric dirt bikes illegally on public roads. a significant increase in young riders over the past few years, many ignoring traffic laws and causing crashes. One incident involved two riders on a single bike who were thrown after running a red light at a busy intersection.

Legal Framework and Enforcement Challenges

Under New York State law, anyone under 16 is prohibited from riding e-bikes on public roads, and electric dirt bikes without pedals are illegal on roads regardless of age. Despite these laws, officers regularly encounter groups of young riders traveling in the middle of streets, running signals, and riding without helmets. Town Supervisor Mike Zale said many parents are unaware of the severity, comparing underage e-bike use to letting a 14-year-old drive a car. Local ordinances now allow police to seize and impound bikes from repeat offenders, with escalating redemption fees and permanent confiscation after three violations.

Crashes and Community Concerns

In Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, a Monday evening crash involved a juvenile e-biker traveling at high speed who struck the side of a car that had the right of way, after failing to stop at a stop sign. Police posted about the incident on Facebook, reminding parents and riders of the rules. Bob Brown, a local gym-goer, said the accident was “inevitable,” noting years of loud and inattentive riding in his neighborhood. Bethel Park Police emphasized that riders must be 16 or older off private property, and parents can be cited for underage violations. Brentwood Borough also issued a reminder that motorized recreational vehicles are banned from all public spaces.

Outlook: Prevention vs. Tragedy

Officials in both New York and Pennsylvania are focusing on education and parental involvement as primary tools, given that many riders are too young to receive traffic tickets. Chief Gray said police will not pursue young riders who flee, underscoring the need for home-based accountability. With e-bikes being nearly silent and increasingly popular, the risk of serious injury or death remains high. As Walter E. Smithe prepares to open its showroom in 2027, the parallel story of e-bike safety highlights a growing regulatory and social challenge across American communities.

The bottom line

• Walter E. Smithe will open a new showroom at Edens Plaza in 2027, filling the former Great Escape space.
• WS Development has submitted a detailed renovation plan for the suite, signaling a long-term commitment.
• Edens Plaza has attracted major tenants including Wayfair, Uncharted, Just Salad, Club Studio, and The Goddess and the Baker since 2021.
• Under New York law, e-bike use on public roads is illegal for those under 16; electric dirt bikes are banned entirely.
• Ogden and Bethel Park police are stepping up enforcement and parental outreach after multiple crashes involving underage riders.
• Parents face potential liability and citations if their children violate e-bike laws, with repeat offenders risking permanent bike seizure.