Jennifer Hudson schedules performance at Downers Grove Art Van Furniture opening gala

Most Downers Grove residents will have to be content shopping in a massive Art Van Furniture store but a lucky 1,000 with an invitation will get to hear Jennifer Hudson the night before the grand opening.

Hudson will be part of the official ribbon cutting for 1,000 invited guests to a private grand opening gala July 30 before the 112,000 square foot, two story opens to the public August 1 at 1021 Butterfield Road, according to a news release from the company.

The Downers Grove location will be Art Van’s eighth in the Chicago area and the largest in the 92-store regional chain, according to the release. It was started 55 years ago by Art Van Elslander.

“My excitement has multiplied a thousand-fold from the moment we conceptualized our Downers Grove store,” Van Elslander said in the release. “We are creating an extraordinary environment; a home furnishings feast for the senses in this vibrant community. It epitomizes Art Van Furniture’s long term commitment to Chicagoland, and our desire to be the top choice among guests when creating the home of their dreams.”

The store itself will look like it has a permanent pyrotechnic display in some spots with flickering lights looking like floating fireworks, according to the release.

By the middle of next year, Art Van plans to have 11 stores in the metropolitan area adding 700 jobs overall.