The Brookfield Shops Courtyard

Cook County Creative Placemaking Round 1

BIG CHANGES ARE COMING!

The Brookfield Theater Corp, in partnership with the Village of Brookfield, was awarded the Cook County Creative Placemaking Grant for exciting upgrades at the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. This funding will help transform the Shops’ courtyard, creating an inviting outdoor event space for all to enjoy!

With a focus on community building and supporting local artists, the enhanced courtyard will introduce a featured art wall, more space for unique pieces, and upgraded landscaping. The project also includes an elevated stage, audio and lighting, event equipment, updated signage, improved infrastructure, and more!

This initiative is a true grassroots effort, co-created by residents, business owners, and local commissions, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable growth, support of the arts, and business development in Brookfield. It's part of a broader revitalization effort, championing both economic vitality and community enrichment throughout the 8-Corners District and beyond.

Read the press releases:

- Cook County - 7/31/25

- LISC Chicago - 8/1/25

About the Grant

Creative Placemaking grants are supported by Cook County Arts, an initiative of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development made possible with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Overall, Cook County is investing $2 million in community-led arts projects to boost the quality of life for its suburban residents. Teaming up with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to manage the grant, offer Learning Circles, and provide technical assistance to grantees.

Nonprofit organizations serving suburban neighborhoods applied for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. These funds, coupled with expert guidance, are for Creative Placemaking projects designed to enhance the economic, physical, and social vitality of suburban communities through the power of art. This initiative aims to foster vibrant, thriving spaces where residents can connect and engage.

However, this initiative is more than a grant opportunity. It’s a shared journey that centers artists, community leaders, residents, and organizations in the planning process to truly transform and create shared spaces. Learn more about the program here!

Who is on the project team managing the grant?

With a shared goal to co-create the new event space, the project team includes the Brookfield Theater Corp, Village of Brookfield, KPGS Consulting, Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, local commissions and artists. Learn more about the Shops project team here! Want to join the team or get involved with the Shops’ courtyard project? Read more below!
What are examples of creative placemaking?

Examples of creative placemaking include but are not limited to: Artist murals in public places Public art Community gardens Cultural planning/convening Community gateways Reimagined public spaces Commercial corridor improvements Creative asset mapping New cultural facility planning Planning for cultural facility development Check out the list of grant awardees and their creative projects here!
When will the courtyard be finished?

On-site updates are expected at the Shops between September 2025 and October 2026. Our goal is to unveil the elevated, expandable stage, along with event equipment, art pieces and new signage in October 2025. Additional upgrades to the landscaping, shops, and more will be completed in early 2026. Check out the expanded timeline below for more details!
I want a shop at the Brookfield Shops, can I have one?

Every year, the Brookfield Shops open in June and close in December. As such, a cohort of 6 small businesses are invited to operate the 6 mini storefronts. If you are an artisan, artist, or entrepreneur looking to scale your operations and test your products in the Brookfield market, you are welcome to apply to the program! As a vendor, you would be expected to pay monthly rent and a maintenance fee, as well as maintain the set open hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The cohort is also encouraged to host events, keep their spaces stocked with inventory, and market their mini storefront at the Brookfield Shops. The vendor application typically opens in October/November with a deadline in early January for the next season. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the application announcement! (Bellow)
What impact do retail incubators have on communities?

In general, retail incubators offer a dynamic solution for activating underutilized spaces while encouraging local economic growth. By providing affordable, short-term retail opportunities and business support, these programs help emerging entrepreneurs test concepts, build customer bases, and gain valuable experience. In turn, they create a steady pipeline of small businesses ready to scale, enrich business corridors, and revitalize vacant commercial spaces. Unique incubator spaces, such as the Brookfield Shops, are also more than just places to shop - they’re hubs for connection and artistic expression. With frequent on site events, performances, and networking opportunities, incubators help strengthen the nearby community of residents, shoppers, and artists.
I LOVE THIS IDEA, how do I get involved?

Thank you for your interest in the Brookfield Shops! As both a shared retail space and a community event venue, there are several ways to get involved! Before the season launches, you could serve on the panel of jurors. Together, the jurors review the vendor applications, listen to pitches, and select the 6 participating businesses. You could also partner with us on the project through financial contributions or in-kind support. Once the Shops open for the season, there are ample opportunities to host events, perform your creative talents live on site, and share our posts on socials! For more information, check out how you can get involved here!
What is a retail incubator?

As a retail incubator program, the Brookfield Shops are designed to strengthen local entrepreneurs, artisans and small business owners by providing them with an affordable and dynamic environment to grow. As both a unique shopping experience and a tailored business program, the Shops connect the 6 vendors with valuable and timely resources - business advising, marketing, industry mentors, and more! Through the incubator, we encourage vendors to expand their product lines, connect with the Brookfield community, interact with new customers, and host engaging events. After 7 months of operating their mini storefronts, we hope the vendors take the lessons learned while in the incubator and graduate into brick-and-mortar locations, scale their operations, or discover new ways to grow their small businesses!
I am not from Brookfield and I think a retail incubator would be perfect in my town, how do I bring this to my community?

The Village of Brookfield worked closely with local stakeholders, commissions, and partners to launch the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park. The Village also contracted KPGS Consulting, a dynamic duo with experience setting up business incubators and shared retail spaces. Learn more about our dedication team and passionate partners here!
What are these “Sheds”?

The 6 colorful “sheds” located in the 8 Corners District are part of the Brookfield Shops at Progress Park, a retail incubator administered by the Village of Brookfield. These 12’x15’ spaces serve as mini storefronts for artisans, entrepreneurs, and small business owners looking to test their products in the local market. The “sheds” will be open to shoppers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June to December.
Where does the amazing artwork come from?

The Artist Collective has provided these panels that are affixed to some sheds. We wanted to emphasize two aspects of these Shops: what items the shops have to offer and shopping at local businesses.
How do I get to the Brookfield Shops?

Public Transportation Take the Metra BNSF Train to the Brookfield Station Walk or Bike on Grand Boulevard to the 8 Corners Traffic Circle Walk Across Maple and Broadway Avenue Crosswalks Certain Pace 331 Buses can stop at 8 Corners Traffic Circle Zoo’s North Parking Lot Turn right onto Golfview Road Turn right onto 31st Street to Turn left onto Maple Avenue At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Broadway Avenue Zoo’s South Parking Lot Turn right onto Golf Road Turn right onto Washington Avenue At the traffic circle take the 4th exit onto Broadway Avenue Interstate 290 Take Exit 20 to 1st Avenue and head south Slight right onto Golfview Avenue Turn right onto 31st Street Turn left on Maple Avenue At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Broadway Avenue Interstate 55 *If heading north on Interstate 55 take Exit 282B *If heading south on Interstate 55 take Exit 282 Head north on 1st Avenue Turn left on Ridgewood Road Continue on Washington Avenue At the traffic circle take the 4th exit onto Broadway Avenue
Where do I park?

You can park on most streets in the 8 Corners District. Parking is available on Maple Avenue, Broadway Avenue, and Grand Boulevard. To see a map showing available street parking, please click here.
What can I do after I visit the shops?

Brookfield is home to a wide variety of activities, shops, and restaurants. Some recreational activities in Brookfield include: our Concerts in the Park at Kiwanis Park hosted each Friday from 7-8:30pm, (except July 4th) from June 13th through August 22nd. Music on Grand is held the last Saturday of the month, on August 30th and September 27th. The Brookfield Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8am - 1pm beginning June 7th through October 25th in the Village Hall parking lot. Outside of events, you can also visit Galloping Ghost Arcade at 9415 Ogden Avenue and access the Salt Creek Trail System just west of 31st Street and McCormick Avenue. Looking for something to eat and drink? Brookfield is home to a wide variety of establishments that serve cuisines such as Barbeque, Balkan, Italian, and Mexican. Brookfield is also home to many breakfast establishments and bars.

Expected Timeline

Quarter 3 2025 (July - Sep.)

Quarter 4 2025 (Oct. - Dec.)

Quarter 1 2026 (Jan. - March)

Quarter 2 2026 (April - June)

Quarter 3 2026 (July - Sep.)

Project team orientation
Secure contractors
Artist selection
Ongoing community engagement

Finalize stage buildout
Install art pieces
Enhance on-site signage
Ongoing community engagement

Site clean up and maintenance
Open applications for performers and artists
Upgrade landscaping
Ongoing community engagement

Welcome the 2026 entrepreneurs
Confirm the 2026 event calendar
Complete final touches on site
Ongoing community engagement

Implement long-term maintenance
Final reporting & impact data

How to Get Involved

Excited about the new event space and want to get involved? We’d love for you to join the creative process! Keep reading below to discover how YOU can share your feedback, create featured art pieces, offer suggestions, and even perform live at the Brookfield Shops!

Share your Feedback

Are you a local artist, performer, resident, or frequent shopper at the Brookfield Shops? We want to hear from you! To ensure that the enhanced outdoor event space works for the local community, we encourage you to share your feedback, ideas, and questions!

Our goal is to create a space that is flexible and works for a variety of events - workshops, author readings, live music, small productions, business networking opportunities, and more! Share your insight today by clicking here

Attend Community Events

During the 2025 Shops season, the project team will be hosting community events at the Shops and throughout Brookfield. Residents, business owners, and local leaders are invited to join the events to share ideas for the courtyard, engage with the Shops team, and learn more about economic development via the arts!

Specifically, the team will host monthly Community Development Corners at the Shops, as well as pop up at local events including the Farmers Market and Art Fest. Check out all upcoming events here!

Perform Live On Site

Can’t wait for the new event space to share your creative talents or musical abilities? Apply today to be a live artist or musician on site! Even before the stage is built, YOU are invited to perform at the Shops during open hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Local businesses and organizations are even encouraged to host events at the Shops. Our vibrant location is the perfect spot for outdoor workshops, team-building, and more all while shopping the 6 mini storefronts! Learn more, and apply, by clicking here.

Courtyard Get

Create art to be featured at the Shops

Calling all artists! We would LOVE to feature your work throughout the Shops site. In fact, we are looking for local artists to create unique pieces for the Brookfield Shops that celebrate COMMUNITY. The pieces are 3’x4’ or 4’x8’ wooden panels and will be located on the sides of the Shops and on the feature wall behind the stage, respectively.

Submissions are due by September 5th and will be reviewed by the project team. Selected artists will receive a stipend, along with materials, to create the pieces. Our goal is for the pieces to be installed on site for an unveiling celebration by mid-October 2025.

Have questions? Email: Info@thebrookfieldshops.com

Submit your art concept or rendering today!