Key Takeaways
- A 128,000-square-foot retail store, possibly a Target, is set to be the centerpiece of a mixed-use redevelopment in Brown Deer.
- The redevelopment is drawing comparisons to Bayshore Mall, with significant implications for local investors.
- Rapid decision-making is required as approvals are imminent, influencing the project’s success or failure.
A New Chapter for Brown Deer’s Commercial Landscape
In a move that sends shockwaves through Brown Deer’s commercial heart, a new 128,000-square-foot retail store, potentially a Target, threatens to reshape the 21-acre terrain at West Brown Deer and North Green Bay Roads. This redevelopment mirrors a high-stakes chess game, with consequences echoing the fate of Bayshore Mall.
Investors’ eyes are on the clock as approval looms.
The stakes are high, and immediate decisions could spell triumph or disaster. The next steps hold critical implications.
Revitalizing Brown Deer’s Retail Landscape
Alarm bells are ringing in Brown Deer as the fate of a sprawling, mostly vacant 21-acre retail center hangs in the balance. This site, located northeast of West Brown Deer and North Green Bay Roads, currently accommodates a nearly empty 300,000-square-foot retail complex. Only Michaels, Bath & Body Works, and Kitchen & Kocktails restaurant remain, signaling a desperate need for change.
Nebraska-based developer Woodsonia Real Estate steps in with an ambitious proposal: a $21 million redevelopment plan that aims to breathe new life into this desolate area. The project promises a complete transformation, demolishing old structures to make way for updated retail and housing developments. Huge developments such as new apartments, restaurants, and additional buildings will play a crucial role in revamping the area.
The cornerstone of this proposal is the construction of a 128,000-square-foot big-box retail store. Architectural plans hint at a potential Target, with distinctive red accents and references to “Bullseye’s playground,” a nod to the familiar brand. While Target has not officially announced participation, the specifications of the planned store, such as nearly 450 parking spaces and inside features like a CVS Pharmacy and Starbucks, are unmistakably aligned with Target locations.
If successful, this store could serve as a formidable anchor, driving traffic and business back to the area. But the development extends beyond just retail options. The plan incorporates a four-story mixed-use building, interweaving residential and commercial spaces. On top, three floors will offer market-rate apartments. Below, 21,000 square feet will provide new commercial opportunities.
The completion of this project promises significant community benefits. Not only is it expected to generate an estimated $28.3 million in new assessed value, but it also aims to revitalize the neighborhood. By improving local property values and the tax base, the development plans to reinject life into an area that was once a vibrant retail and community hub, catalyzing further growth and attracting new businesses and residents.
Currently, the closest active Target locations are in Bayshore and Menomonee Falls. A prior Target situated at 8501 W. Brown Deer Road closed back in 2016, leaving a void still felt by the community. The proposed redevelopment could fill this gap, restoring Brown Deer to its former glory.
The Brown Deer Village Board is set to deliberate on the approval of the site plan’s first phase. This follows a Plan Commission’s recommendation for approval, which passed 6-1 in February 2025. The absence of an official public announcement leaves potential investors and residents in a state of suspense.
Meanwhile, other local developments signal a broader transformation. One such venture includes a new steak and lobster restaurant, Kitchen 11 Eleven, set to open early 2025 at 6800 W. Brown Deer Rd. This waves a hopeful flag amidst the uncertainty, attracting ambitions and amenities to the area.
Time is of the essence for Brown Deer. With potential for increased jobs and economic advancement, the town waits anxiously to see if approval and development will emerge, poised to change the area’s destiny forever.
Assessment
Hey there, did you hear about Target planning to open a new 128,000-square-foot store in Brown Deer?
This could be a game-changer for the area’s future! Anchor stores like Target are super important to making Brown Deer thrive.
If this slips away, well, it could put the whole area’s economic revival in jeopardy.
Real estate investors, now’s the time to jump on this opportunity.
Serious financial losses might be waiting if this chance isn’t seized.
And let’s not forget the local businesses—this could be huge for them, too.
We really can’t let the chance to turn Brown Deer into a bustling hub just vanish.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen!
