Business & Tech

Business Owners Debate Future of Hubbard Woods

Local residents and leaders shared their experiences and schemed for improvements in the business district.

Farmers markets? Summer concerts? Something else?

The future of the Hubbard Woods business district was debated by 30-some business owners and community leaders this week. They gathered at on Tuesday morning to brainstorm the future of the Hubbard Woods business district.

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“We are here to grow the business community,” said Jason Harris, who chairs the Business Community Development Commission (BCDC). “We want to foster an open, honest dialogue to learn and listen.”

Alongside BCDC member and business owner Peggy Swartchild, Harris led a “Listen and Learn” discussion on the assets of Hubbard Woods and potential improvements.

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There was consensus among attendees on the value of green space in Hubbard Woods, with the need for more activities that engage a wider spectrum of businesses and residents.

Julie Windsor, who owns Beat Street at 930 Green Bay Rd., suggested opening up empty spaces, such as the Gap store location, with smaller vendors that channel the style of French markets.

“People have to start small,” said Windsor, who said that high rent is a major barrier to entry for business owners. With the vendor system, she said, business owners could split the costs of rent.

Another focal point during the discussion rested on the difficulty for opening businesses in Winnetka. Windsor mentioned the challenges she experienced trying to open an ice cream parlor. Groans could be heard across the table when the topic of village code came up in discussion.

“Clearly there is an organizational opportunity [to streamline the process for property owners and tenants to open business],” said Harris, who began talks about a Hubbard Woods restaurant this past year. “We need to get everyone on the same page, which is a passion of mine.”

BCDC meets next Thursday, March 8.

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