Project Information

Bid Title

Request for Qualifications for Operation of a Relevant Retail Business at Northbrook Metra Station

Issuing Agency

Northbrook village

Location

Illinois

Published Date

May 11, 2026

Closing Date

Jul 2, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Title:	Request for Qualifications for Operation of a Relevant Retail Business at Northbrook Metra Station
Category:	Northbrook Engineering & Public Works Bids
Status:	Open
Bid Recipient:	Julie Gray, julie.gray@northbrook.il.us

Description: The Village of Northbrook is seeking to enter into a Sub-Lease Agreement with a qualified and financially sound entity or Business Owner/Operator to operate a retail business at the Northbrook Metra Train Station, located at 1401 Shermer Road, Northbrook. Publication Date/Time: 5/11/2026 1:00 PM Closing Date/Time: 7/2/2026 1:00 PM Pre-bid Meeting: 06/04/2026 at 1:00 p.m. Contact Person: Julie Gray, 847-664-4129, julie.gray@northbrook.il.us Related Documents: Request for Qualifications - Retail Business Opportunity_Downtown Train Station_May 2026 Exhibit A - Standard Sub-Lease Agreement_ 2025

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VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR THE OPERATION OF A RELEVANT RETAIL BUSINESS

NORTHBROOK TRAIN STATION VIA SUB-LEASE AGREEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

Introduction:

The Village of Northbrook (“Village”) is seeking to enter into a Sub-lease Agreement with a

qualified and financially sound entity or Business Owner/Operator (“Owner/Operator”) to

operate a retail business at the Northbrook Metra Train Station, located at 1401 Shermer Road,

Northbrook. The premises available for Sub-lease, as described in this Request for Qualifications

("RFQ"), is a 232 square foot space that has most recently operated as a commuter grab and go

coffee shop. However, the Village will consider other uses permitted by the Village’s Zoning

Code, including a non-profit job training/retail site, bakery or other grab and go food service,

florist, personal care services, shoeshine/repair, newsstand or bookstore or similar retail sales.

The Village will also consider other uses that may need a zoning variance or amendment to the

Village’s Municipal Code for select business types that serve commuters or are community

focused. The following uses will not be considered:

• Financial institutions or services, including ATM machines

• Tobacco stores and stands

• Drycleaners

• Alcohol sales

Project Scope:

The Village is looking to enter into a Sub-lease Agreement with an entity or Business

Owner/Operator to operate a relevant retail business oriented toward serving the general

public and individuals who use the Metra Commuter Rail Line stop in downtown Northbrook.

The selected Owner/Operator will be invited to enter into a Sub-lease Agreement with the

Village. The most recently applicable Sub-lease is attached. The successor Sub-lease is expected

to be in substantially the same form as the Sub-lease Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A.

It is noted the Village will consider alternate approaches to operating terms submitted by non-

profit organizations that service the community. The Sub-lease Agreement shall commence on

or about August 1, 2026. The Village desires a Sub-lease for an initial period of twelve (12)

months, with a mutual option to renew the Agreement for two (2) additional 12-month periods

but will consider a month-to-month Sub-lease for seasonal or other temporary (i.e. “pop-up”)

business types. The Village Board has the ultimate authority to approve any proposal and to

authorize the execution of the Sub-lease Agreement.

Background:

The Northbrook Train Station serves Metra's Milwaukee District North Line. The station is

located at 1401 Shermer Road near the Central Business District of the Village. The station

consists of two side platforms and a waiting room. Northbound trains stop on the west platform

and southbound trains stop on the east platform. Trains go south to Chicago's Union Station, Fox

Lake, Illinois. The station also connects to one (1) PACE route #422.

VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR THE OPERATION OF A RELEVANT RETAIL BUSINESS

NORTHBROOK TRAIN STATION VIA SUB-LEASE AGREEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

The daily hours of operation for the station and waiting room are 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

While daily commutes to and from the station decreased during the COVID pandemic, ridership

is returning to near pre-pandemic levels. The Village has a progressive outlook regarding

transportation and providing services to residents, commuters and travelers that use the

Village's transportation infrastructure. Metra has provided the following information for the

Milwaukee North Line as of October 2024.

2024 Average Weekday Ridership on MD-N Line: 13,290 - Source: Conductor counts

Number of trains per day (All trains stop at Northbrook

station)

Weekday

54

Saturday

20

Sunday

18

Northbrook Ridership Estimates

Day

Avg Daily Riders

Midweek (Tu-Th)

975

Saturday

134

Sunday

90

Note: Average Daily Riders are estimated using Ventra App Usage and

Ticket Sales Data using a preliminary methodology

Updated 2025 ridership information is expected to be made available on or about June 1, 2026 and will be posted to the Village’s Bid Postings

webpage as an Addendum.

VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR THE OPERATION OF A RELEVANT RETAIL BUSINESS

NORTHBROOK TRAIN STATION VIA SUB-LEASE AGREEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Ability to obtain a valid license to do business in the State of Illinois and the County of Cook

and the Village of Northbrook.

2. Possess, or the ability to obtain, the required licenses or certifications to own or operate the

same or similar business as being proposed.

3. Proven experience operating a business or entity, or experience owning or operating the

same or similar business as being proposed.

4. Must possess a thorough understanding of the latest local, state and federal regulations,

guidelines and ordinances applicable to owning and operating a business being proposed.

5. Ability to obtain sufficient insurance to satisfy the Village requirements provided in the

Sub-lease Agreement.

Key Items to include in the statement of qualifications:

1. Cover letter to include a summary of the Owner/Operator or entity’s experience and

qualifications, including name(s), phone number(s), and email addresses of the person(s)

authorized to represent the Owner/Operator or entity regarding all matters related to this

Request for Qualifications.

2. A brief history or profile, including previous or related experience operating the business

being proposed. Provide information related to the item(s) or service(s) offered, location of

local office or facility, years in business and contact information.

3. If incorporated or a limited liability company, state date of incorporation and State of

incorporation.

4. If applicable, identify businesses or operations for which a retail business (coffee shop or

other business type) is currently being provided or has been provided within the last three

years. For each such business or operation, include address, contact person, number of

employees, phone number, and period of service.

5. Provide names of three business references with addresses, phone numbers and

relationships.

VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR THE OPERATION OF A RELEVANT RETAIL BUSINESS

NORTHBROOK TRAIN STATION VIA SUB-LEASE AGREEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Indicate intended hours of operation. Hours of operation preferred by the Village are 30

minutes prior to the departure of the first train (currently at 5:30 a.m.) until the scheduled

departure of the last morning rush hour train (currently at 9:36 a.m.) Monday through

Friday. Vendor is encouraged to remain open for business until at least 10:00 a.m.

The Village will also consider a business that intends to operate after 10:00 a.m. but does

not exceed the normal closing time for the station and waiting room of 8:00 p.m.

2. Provide a minimum list of items that shall be sold, including, but not limited to, hot and

cold non-alcoholic beverages and pre-packaged food items.

If applicable, list all other products/merchandise and/or services intended to be sold or

provided if other than concessions. Please note that preference may be given to vendors

who are able to provide items produced or provided by other businesses located in the

area.

3. If any retail food or beverages will be sold, the Sub-Lessee will provide the authorization

for the food service subject to receipt of an annual permit to be obtained by the Sub-

Lessee from the Village of Northbrook.

4. All improvements to the premises must be reviewed and approved by the Village of

Northbrook.

5. All construction must be in accordance with Village building codes and regulations and the

vendor is responsible for all applicable permit fees.

6. The successful Owner/Operator must complete construction of all improvements in

compliance with the construction schedule submitted with the successful

Owner/Operator’s proposal.

7. The successful Owner/Operator assumes all costs in connection with any improvements

to the Sub-leased area (including but not limited to building systems such as electricity,

HVAC, fire suppression, plumbing and structural issues).

8. A letter indicating that all information attached is true and complete and have it signed by

the authorized owner, partner, officer of the corporation, or manager of the limited liability

company submitting the proposal, with said signature duly notarized by a notary public.

VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

FOR THE OPERATION OF A RELEVANT RETAIL BUSINESS

NORTHBROOK TRAIN STATION VIA SUB-LEASE AGREEMENT

MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026

Acknowledgements:

• The Village retains the right to set the amount and terms of the rent to be charged

based on the type of use and the length of the Sub-lease.

• Station waiting room must be available to Metra and Pace commuter customers at all

times. It is further understood that during times of maintenance or repair at the train

station the lobby may be unavailable.

• Any negotiated price will be inclusive of utilities, however any equipment, fixtures, or

infrastructure installed or used by the business will be responsible for said maintenance

(i.e., repairs to plumbing, sinks, etc.)

• The Owner/Operator will be required to provide their own pest control for the Sub-

leased space and will be responsible for the cleaning of that space.

• Businesses cannot place tables or other furniture or goods outside the Sub-leased area,

or in designated commuter areas such as the lobby or platform.

• The Village, as outlined in its Agreement with Metra, will be responsible for exterior

repairs including sidewalks, curbing, roof, gutter/leaders, soffits, window retrofits,

lighting, and the dumpster area.

• The Metra Station does not have central air conditioning. Alterations or modifications to

the building’s mechanical systems, existing structure, or signage will not be considered

or approved as part of the Sub-lease Agreement.

• There are no designated parking spaces in the commuter parking lots for the Sub-lessee

or its customers.

Concept:

Subsequent to Village Board approval and under broad supervision and direction from the

Village Board or its designee to operate a retail business at the Northbrook Metra Train Station.

A successful approval of a Sub-lease Agreement will not state, convey, imply, or infer a specific,

minimum or expected amount of work or compensation. The Owner/Operator(s) is/are and

shall remain a wholly independent contractor and not an officer, employee or agent of the

Village and shall have no authority to bind the Village in any manner, nor to incur any

obligation, debt, or liability.

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
• NAICS 541330Engineering Services
• NAICS 541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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