Walking down Grand Boulevard, the decrepit, long-ignored building at 3723 is both a blight and a full stop in the odd momentum that a commercial strip ought to be creating. With its essentially boarded up façade, it is an unidentifiable space on a street boasting some good energy as a destination for locals and visitors.

But this space was once, 99 years ago, a hub of Brookfield life known as the Brookfield Theater. It not only showed movies but hosted vaudeville performances and other live acts. It later changed its name and became The Strand. After 37 years, the building’s life as a movie palace faded to black in 1952. The following year its ignominious future began as an office and warehouse for the Chicago Air Filter Company. 

Fast forward to 2024 and we cheer as the village of Brookfield has now bought the property through a third party, paid for it with TIF funds, and is welcoming ideas from Brookfielders to reimagine it. The first person who suggests storing air filters there will be banished from town. 

Libby Popovic, Brookfield’s community development chief, said staff has already heard suggestions from residents that the space be used as a brewery, a restaurant, a bowling alley, or a recreation facility. These ideas are good ones and reflect the fundamental goal of turning an inert eyesore into new life on a lively Grand Boulevard. If it offers a nightlife aspect, all the better.

While the future use of the building is uncertain, we are encouraged to hear Popovic say the expectation is that the village will entertain offers that restore the current building rather than lead to its demolition. Exactly right.

A couple of thoughts: Some sincere people are critical when local governments purchase property. They see it as an intrusion into the private marketplace. And we’ve seen communities that overdid it, becoming the de facto developer of choice by buying every property in sight. 

As a strategic matter, however, there are moments when local government is the absolute best buyer. And this is such a case. A key parcel. Underused for decades. Now stuck in a trust fund after an owner’s death. This purchase is what TIFs were made for.

We are excited to watch what happens next to the former Brookfield Theater.

A fridge grows in Brookfield

It took collaboration and, likely some compromise, but Brookfield is now home to a community fridge, a new wrinkle to remedy food insecurity. The simple concept is growing in many communities. Provide a source of fresh food to those without by way of a public refrigerator kept stocked with donations from people with plenty or, at least, enough to share.

The local Rotary Club has teamed with the Share Food Share Love food pantry to open the fridge at the food pantry’s site. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Brookfield Avenue. 

Another small, positive, community-building project for Brookfield.