Northbrook Court: Upscale Opulence to Tranquil Canine Retreat—Is it the mall's final days? 23min POV

Discover the evolution of Northbrook Court in Northbrook, IL, once hailed as the epitome of luxury shopping in the Northern suburbs. This is a 23-minute stroll through what was once a thriving mall featuring renowned brands like Tiffany's and Louis Vuitton, now transformed into a serene dog-friendly haven.

Opened in 1976 with prestigious anchors like Lord & Taylor, Neiman Marcus, and Sears, Northbrook Court was a fashion mecca for the Chicagoland North shore. However, recent years have seen a decline, and today the mall is sparsely populated, with more canine companions than stores.

Its history in Hollywood: Northbrook native John Hughes, an alum of Glenbrook North High School, utilized the mall as a backdrop for his teenage film "Weird Science." This movie revolves around two outcasts creating a girl who empowers them to assert themselves. The exterior shots in the film were captured on the side of the mall, which now houses a California Pizza Kitchen and the former The Claim Company. While the interior of the mall was also featured in the film, it has undergone changes since then. Additionally, scenes from "Ordinary People" were shot at the mall, with Mary Tyler Moore's character, Beth Jarrett, depicted shopping at Neiman Marcus and riding the escalator.

Today, the future transformation is attributed to upcoming major renovations that will rejuvenate the 40-year-old shopping mall. The plan includes demolishing Macy’s, the current anchor department store, to make way for the Great Lawn—a vibrant open-air plaza. Additionally, the redevelopment will introduce 315 luxury multifamily units, new restaurants, and high-end retail tenants.

While the promise of new developments is exciting, it's bittersweet to witness the disappearance of this once opulent mall. Join me in savoring the remnants of Northbrook Court's greatness before it undergoes a total transformation.