Save Downtown Northbrook
Pulte’s proposed plan to convert Meadow Plaza into a high-density residential development is wrong for Northbrook. For those who believe in the idea of a village downtown with a park, shopping, restaurants, and parking, this plan will deliver the opposite.
Pulte will be building high-density residential property only. The project will eliminate roughly 50% of our available downtown retail space and shut down over a dozen successful local businesses in Meadow Plaza.
These proposed six-story buildings and the hundreds of condos they contain will create considerable downtown vehicle traffic and strain local services and resources, including our police and fire departments, public school system, drinking water, and sewer infrastructure. Ultimately, this plan will result in diminished Northbrook property values and the loss of what makes our village community truly unique.
Misson
Save Downtown Northbrook is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to preserving Northbrook's downtown character. We support thoughtful redevelopment that aligns with the Village's 2012 Comprehensive Plan, protect local businesses, and work to strengthen our community.
What Has Happened
Plans for downtown redevelopment were developed before many residents were informed or engaged in the process. Community concerns deserve greater consideration.
Why We Care
Residents Deserve a Voice
Northbrook residents deserve a meaningful role in decisions that shape our downtown.
Protect Local Businesses
The thriving businesses at Meadow Plaza help define our community and should remain part of Northbrook's future.
Smart Growth Matters
We support redevelopment that balances retail, restaurants, residences, parking, and community needs.
Traffic & Infrastructure Impacts
Major development decisions should fully consider traffic, density, and quality-of-life impacts.
How We Use Donations
Paying for independent planning, traffic, environmental, and land-use expert analysis
Community outreach, education, organization and engagement
Yard signs, flyers, and advocacy materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I care if I don't live downtown?
Downtown affects property values, local businesses, schools, traffic, and community identity. What happens downtown affects all of Northbrook and impacts every resident no matter their neighborhood.
Can Northbrook have shops, restaurants and housing?
Yes, we already do. Mixed-use development can create a vibrant downtown that combines retail, dining, residences, and public gathering spaces when done carefully and thoughtfully.
Is brick-and-mortar retail still important?
Yes. Strong local shopping districts remain an important part of successful communities across the country.
Why does commercial development matter?
Businesses support our local tax base, create jobs, and help sustain a vibrant downtown environment.
What about our public schools?
Development decisions need to be evaluated through independent analysis to understand potential impacts on our local schools.
Our Vision
A vibrant village center with:
Local Shops
Restaurants
Convenient Parking & Minimal Traffic
Support for Existing Businesses
Respect for Community Institutions
Managed Growth & Density
Thoughtful Residential Development
Final Call to Action
Help us protect the future of Downtown Northbrook. Please donate, stay informed, attend meetings and join our collective grassroots community effort.
