Chamber Purchases Historic Building

We are excited to announce that the Northbrook Chamber is now the proud owner of the historic Civic Building. Our purchase of the building from the Village of Northbrook in May will secure the Chamber’s continued services to the business community in the location that has been the organization’s headquarters for almost 40 years.

 

Opened in 1928, the building at 2002 Walters Avenue has served the Northbrook community as the first village hall, public library, police station, courthouse, and fire station. Since 1985, the Chamber has operated in the building as a tenant. With approximately 4200 square feet of space, the building offers plenty of room for the Chamber’s educational and networking programs in addition to day-to-day operations and storage needs.

 

The Village announced its intent to sell the building and opened the RFP process in the fall of 2023. The Chamber responded with a proposal that emphasized the importance of supporting the business community while also improving and revitalizing the historic building. The overall concept is to maintain the building’s historic structure, making repairs and updates as needed to enhance the building’s integrity, energy efficiency, and accessibility.

 

In recognition of the expected cost of deferred maintenance and renovations, the Village agreed to sell the building for the symbolic price of $1. As part of the agreement, the building will continue to be known as the Civic Building.

 

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to continue growing our organization in the heart of Northbrook,” notes NCCI Board Chair Amy Kahhat, First Bank Chicago. “This landmark building has been the Chamber’s headquarters for almost 40 years and offers a unique combination of location and space for our programs. Now that its future is secured, we will be developing new ideas for how to maximize the building’s benefits for our members and the entire business community.”

 

Many thanks to the Chamber members who contributed their time and energy on the building committee, including:

• Lee Brooks, Bell Flavors & Fragrances
• Mark DeBartolo, Len Roofing & Remodeling
• Jacqueline Hart, Allstate
• Amy Kahhat, First Bank Chicago

Watch for information coming soon about building projects and fundraising efforts!