Development Updates

Economic Development

Economic development has been a major focus of the Village Board over the past several years and attracting quality business partners has been part of the Village’s strategy to fill vacant sites with new and exciting businesses. Over the past several months the Village has taken a number of important steps and worked with key partners to advance several major developments. We are excited to have all these businesses join the Wilmette community and look forward to these and other future developments. Click on the below project titles or see the relevant details for further information!

Wayfair and WS Development – Eden’s Plaza

1210 Central Ave – Optima Development

Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant

At the March 8 Village Board meeting, the Board voted to approve a special use for the operation of the Murray Bros. Caddyshack restaurant at the former Baker Square site at 200 Skokie Boulevard. The restaurant will be golf, sports, and movie themed and serve All-American bar and grill favorites. The restaurant will include over 200 indoor seats, additional outdoor seating options, and garage doors that can be opened during nice weather. The restaurant hopes to open later this year. For more information, click here.

Buck Russell’s Sandwich Shop

In the summer of 2021, Ballyhoo Hospitality, the group behind Sophia Steak announced plans to open Buck Russell’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop at 1137 Greenleaf Avenue. The restaurant is planned as a modern version of a classic diner and will seat approximately 48 customers. The restaurant will serve sandwiches and other breakfast and lunch items along with a bakery serving a variety of pastries and cakes. Buck Russell’s is planned to open in the coming weeks. For more information, click here.

Masonic Lodge

In August 2020, the Village Board approved the redevelopment of the Masonic Lodge at 1010 Central Avenue. The lodge will be repurposed into apartment units for individuals that are 55 and over. The development will keep intact the original historic exterior of the 21,000 square foot building that was built in 1925. The interior will be transitioned into four floors with 16 total rental units. Construction began in late 2020 and is estimated to be completed in June. For more information, click here.

EvaDean’s Restaurant and Café

There is a pending purchase agreement for the vacant Lad and Lassie storefront at 1115 Central Avenue. The plans would convert the former clothing store to a new breakfast, lunch, and brunch café plus a bakery. Tentative plans include using a portion of Veterans’ Park for outdoor dining. The food is anticipated to include rotating farm-to-table cuisine as well as classic bakery items from the team and family behind Farmhouse and Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston. Initial plans for opening are early to mid-2023.

 

This page was updated on 3/15/22.

Wilmette
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