The Rebirth of Butterfield Road
A long-term vision to reimagine one of Oak Brook’s most important commercial corridors
For decades, Butterfield Road has been a key commercial corridor in the western suburbs. However, its south side between Meyers and Midwest roads is lined with aging, largely vacant office and quasi-industrial buildings that reflect declining demand for traditional suburban office space and isolated industrial uses—presenting both a challenge and a significant redevelopment opportunity for Oak Brook.
The renewal of Butterfield Road began with the established Oak Brook Promenade and now continues east toward a new generation of large-format diversified retail. Investments have the potential to transform a fragmented collection of aging properties into a cohesive commercial corridor that connects existing retailers to the east and west, attracting more visitors and strengthening Oak Brook’s economy.
At the forefront of this transformation is the proposed Amazon retail superstore, which would replace seven outdated and mostly vacant office buildings. This new Amazon concept would offer a wide selection of merchandise along with a full-service grocery store. The redevelopment is expected to generate substantial sales-tax revenue as well as expand and diversify Oak Brook’s financial base. Most importantly, this proposed Amazon superstore would provide additional resources to address aging infrastructure and allow the Village to continue to operate without imposing a municipal property tax.
Village President Larry Herman said the Amazon proposal could serve as the catalyst for a much broader transformation. “The proposed Amazon development represents a pivotal step in the ongoing rebirth of Butterfield Road from its industrial and office roots. We see an opportunity to carry this revitalization eastward, replace underperforming properties with productive new investment and generate sustainable sales tax growth that will benefit the Village for years to come.”
Village leadership has been working proactively with property owners, developers, retailers, and other stakeholders to reimagine the entire corridor and explore effective uses that complement retailers such as Room & Board and the Shops at Oak Brook.
As part of its ongoing, proactive effort to shape a stronger future for the corridor, the Village is also working with the Illinois Tollway and IDOT to improve access and traffic flow. Plans include potential new westbound I-88 ramps, just east of the Amazon site, designed to direct traffic away from residential neighborhoods, along with upgraded traffic signals and infrastructure throughout Butterfield Road.
