Business & Tech
Caribou Coffee Set for Late October Opening
Developer still seeking a third tenant for retail site at Meadow and Shermer roads.
Since trustees approved a design permit for a new Caribou Coffee shop downtown, much work has progressed at the corner of Meadow and Shermer roads, the former location of the Northbrook Garage.
Last spring, workers began replacing the building’s antique roof and have since carried out extensive renovations including—but not limited to—the structure’s south, east and north walls. Though the work is far from complete, it’s evident that the former garage has been transformed.
In February, owner Jonathan Berger of The Equitable Funds LLC , along with a Sherwin Williams paint retail store behind it.
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On Monday, Berger said that scheduling was still on track, with the coffee shop projected to open around Oct. 30.
In February, trustees were positive about the likely appeal of the Caribou Coffee location for commuters and visitors to the . But there were lingering concerns over parking along Meadow Road and the loss of trees to allow for outdoor seating.
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Trustee James Karagianis requested the developer work with the village to reduce the number of tree removals, limiting it to two instead of four.
The architect, , has since revised the site plans to include one sidewalk along Meadow Road instead of two, as previously called for, and stairs that will lead to the parking spaces along Meadow.
Berger said his company would seek LEED certification for the project. If the building is granted that designation, he thinks it will be the first renovation in Northbrook to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for energy efficient design.
An additional 6,000 square feet of vacant retail space remains in the building, for which the developer is still seeking a tenant.