Origins and Opening
Northbrook Court opened in 1976 in Northbrook, Illinois. Homart Development Company developed the mall, which initially featured four anchor stores: Sears, Neiman Marcus, I. Magnin, and Lord & Taylor. Located on 130 acres, the mall aimed to serve the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.
At its opening, Northbrook Court offered a diverse shopping experience, including various specialty retailers and dining options. The location’s strategic positioning provided easy access from major highways like the Tri-State Tollway and Edens Expressway.
The mall had a total retail floor area of 1,012,000 square feet and a spacious parking lot with 5,100 spaces. Early on, Northbrook Court became a popular destination for shopping and leisure activities.
Throughout its early years, Northbrook Court maintained a steady flow of visitors and shoppers. The mall’s design and layout catered to the needs of both retailers and customers, establishing it as a key commercial hub in the region.
Early Changes and Expansions
In 1983, Sears decided to close its store at Northbrook Court. They felt the market overlapped too much with nearby Hawthorn Mall and Golf Mill Mall.
JCPenney moved into the former Sears location the same year. This JCPenney store didn’t last long and was torn down in 1995 to make room for a new Marshall Field’s.
I. Magnin, another original tenant, closed its doors in 1991. The space didn’t stay vacant for long as General Cinema opened there in 1996 with 14 auditoriums. This cinema later became AMC Theatres in 2002.
Around this time, a standalone Crate & Barrel store opened on the mall’s northwest corner, adding a home goods option for shoppers.
The mall continued to evolve in response to changing retail trends and customer preferences. Each addition and renovation aimed to keep Northbrook Court competitive with other regional shopping centers.
Financial Struggles and Store Closures
The late 2000s brought financial struggles. In 2007, Northbrook Court replaced its traditional food court with a new dining prototype. This concept didn’t catch on, leading to many restaurant closures. By 2024, Tony & Bruno’s is the only remaining eatery from that era.
In May 2019, Macy’s, a major anchor, closed as part of its strategy to focus on high-performing locations. The Macy’s building was demolished to make way for future development plans. The closure of Lord & Taylor in August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic dealt another blow.
Despite these setbacks, the mall remains home to a few enduring retailers. Neiman Marcus continues to operate, and AMC Theatres still draws visitors. These stores, along with new developments, offer hope for Northbrook Court’s future.
Notable Stores and Attractions
Neiman Marcus has been a staple at Northbrook Court since it opened in 1976. It remains one of the main attractions, drawing in shoppers with its high-end merchandise. AMC Theatres, which opened in 2002, also continues to be a popular destination, offering a 14-screen dine-in movie experience.
Over the years, Northbrook Court has seen many specialty stores come and go. Apple, Lululemon, Arhaus Furniture, Forever 21, Gap, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton are some of the standout names currently operating there. These stores add a touch of luxury and tech appeal that attracts a diverse crowd.
The dining scene at Northbrook Court has evolved, too. Today, seven eateries offer a variety of options.
California Pizza Kitchen and Di Pescara are among the places where you can grab a meal. The Zodiac inside Neiman Marcus and P.F. Chang’s, an outparcel, add to the dining choices available.
These stores and attractions keep Northbrook Court lively. Despite the challenges and changes, there’s always something happening, making it a place worth visiting.
Cultural Impact and Filming Location
Northbrook Court holds a special place in pop culture. In the mid-80s, John Hughes used the mall as a backdrop for his film “Weird Science.”
The movie showcased the exterior, which is now a California Pizza Kitchen, and the interior of the mall. Seeing familiar places in a movie gave the mall a unique charm and drew in fans of the film.
The mall also appeared in the movie “Ordinary People.” In one scene, Mary Tyler Moore’s character shops at Neiman Marcus and rides the escalator. These appearances have cemented Northbrook Court’s status as a cultural landmark in the area.
The mall’s location, close to Chicago, makes it an ideal spot for filmmakers. Its blend of high-end stores and accessible layout provides a versatile setting for various scenes. This connection to Hollywood adds a layer of intrigue to the shopping experience.
Over the years, the mall has continued to attract attention for its role in movies and TV shows. It’s interesting to see how these portrayals influence people’s perception of the mall, making it more than just a shopping destination.
Northbrook Court Redevelopment
In 2023 and 2024, Northbrook Court has been a focal point for redevelopment discussions and plans in Northbrook, IL. The village of Northbrook approved a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the mall, aiming to rejuvenate the area and attract new businesses and visitors.
In April 2023, Brookfield Properties announced a $750 million redevelopment plan for Northbrook Court and presented a conceptual master plan to the community.
This plan includes creating an outdoor shopping area in the current Neiman Marcus parking lot and mixed-use spaces where Macy’s once stood. The idea was to breathe new life into the mall and make it more appealing to modern shoppers.
The proposal also highlights the introduction of outdoor shopping areas, which aligns with current retail trends focusing on open-air environments.
By May 2023, the Northbrook Village Board had set a detailed timeline for reviewing the redevelopment plan. The process involved several community meetings and feedback sessions to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with local interests and needs.
In June 2023, the local government declared Northbrook Court blighted. To fund the much-needed improvements, they introduced a 1% sales tax. The community’s reaction was mixed, but it showed a commitment to revitalizing the area.
In June 2023, the redevelopment plan made significant progress as it received approval from the Northbrook Plan Commission. This approval was a crucial step, allowing the project to move forward with more detailed planning and eventual construction.
In August 2023, the Northbrook Village Board’s approval was on track, with officials expressing enthusiasm for the project.
The Northbrook Village Board granted the final approval by November 2023. The plan includes significant investments in infrastructure, new retail spaces, residential units, and enhanced public areas.
The approved redevelopment project marks a new chapter for Northbrook Court, positioning it as a modern, multi-use destination that will serve the community for years to come.
In 2024, Brookfield Properties, the owner and developer of Northbrook Court, is pursuing a series of mandatory site plan submittals and documents required by the October 30, 2023 agreements.