The commercial property on Ogden Avenue known as “Pierce Plaza” is about to get a makeover with financial support from the village of Brookfield.
On Aug. 28, the village board unanimously approved the request for a grant to improve the façade of the building that sits next to the Sewers & Tunnel Miners Local Two Union building. The grant is part of the village’s Property Improvement Program, which aims to beautify Brookfield’s commercial areas and attract more business.
This project signals that the village’s plans are coming together to “create something awesome for the Ogden Avenue corridor,” Emily Egan, village planner, told the Landmark.
The $20,000 grant will cover part of the costs to improve the building’s façade, estimated to cost a total of $80,000. The remaining renovation costs will be covered by the commercial plaza owners.
Currently, the commercial property houses a travel agency and a carpentry business. Another storefront is unoccupied and available for lease.
The changes coming to the façade of the plaza include the replacement of doorways and windows, new lighting, new landscaping and Hardie board siding. The existing brick will also be improved.
The owners also plan to improve the existing pole sign, though the cost is not covered by the village’s PIP.
It is the second time the village approved a request for the program’s maximum grant amount. Last year, the historic buildings at 3741-43 and 3745 Grand Blvd. were the first to receive $20,000 for façade improvements.
Recently, the PIP program has garnered more interest from local businesses, economic development consultant Cindy Klima told village board officials during a one-year-review of the village’s economic development plan.
After a slow start, more businesses have become interested in applying for the grant program which allows them to make improvements to their properties. Seven businesses are in the process of making improvements and six more are expected to start their projects by the end of the year, Klima said.
The program aims to respond to business needs expressed by local businesses to provide economic support that helps beautify Brookfield’s commercial areas.
Paired with the Energize Ogden plan, approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation last month, village officials expect to see a renewed and improved Ogden Avenue corridor in the next few years.
