Northbrook Court - History

History

Opened in 1976, Northbrook Court was originally anchored by Neiman Marcus, I. Magnin, Lord & Taylor and Sears. The mall had been developed by a Sears subsidiary, Homart Development). I. Magnin closed in 1992 and was demolished for the construction of a General Cinema multiplex theater. Sears closed in the 1980s and was replaced by JCPenney, which in turn closed in 1992 and was razed, and replaced by Marshall Field's which opened in 1995. Marshall Fields was converted into Macy's in 2006.

Before the mall was remodeled in the mid 1990's, movement between the two level structure was either by stairs or winding spiral walkways. Escalators were installed in the early 90s.

In 1998 General Growth Properties acquired the mall in a private transaction from the Grosvenor Group, contributing it in 1999 to a 50/50 joint venture with the New York State Common Retirement Fund (NYSCRF), while retaining management. The General Cinema was acquired by AMC Theatres in 2001, while outside the mall, a freestanding Crate & Barrel home furnishings store was opened in 2002.

The Food Court has undergone a number of changes over the years. Once home to perennial favorites McDonalds and Love's Yogurt, as well as One Potato, Two Potato, in 2007, the dining underwent another change to create a more restaurant like atmosphere.

Today, Northbrook Court is home to more than 110 upscale retailers including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cole Haan, Cusp, and Stuart Weitzman. Northbrook is also noted for its spa choices. Most notably, Elizabeth Arden Red Door and Sassoon.

The 1985 movie Weird Science contained a scene that took place at the mall in which a red Icee was poured on Gary and Wyatt from one floor above them. Also, scenes from the 1980 movie Ordinary People filmed on the escalators, the women's clothing section, and the Zodiac restaurant at Neiman-Marcus, showing Mary Tyler Moore's character, Beth, and Donald Sutherland's character Calvin, in their public personae.