Northbrook approves residential development for Northbrook Court mall

The Northbrook Village Board has approved plans for residential development at Northbrook Court mall before work on its retail spaces begins. This decision came after a joint meeting of the board and the Plan Commission on March 11. Village President Kathryn Ciesla explained that high interest rates and economic challenges have made it difficult to start with retail. The developers want to market residential units right away in hopes that this will support future retail growth. The redevelopment agreement, approved in 2023, includes tax incentives to help revitalize the 100-acre mall site. However, these incentives will only be activated once retail development starts and at least half of the retail spaces are leased. This ensures funds are used appropriately. The project will offer various residential options, including apartments, townhouses, and row houses. While no specific start date has been announced, a groundbreaking is possible as early as summer 2026. The tax increment financing (TIF) will help fund the project by freezing current property taxes, allowing any increases to cover development costs. Village officials are optimistic about the redevelopment and believe it is crucial for the community.