Trader Joe's Gets Final Approval to Build in Brookfield

Get ready for shovels in the ground.

Aldermen Tuesday gave final approval for Trader Joe's to build in a new shopping center under construction in Brookfield — TJ's second location in the Milwaukee area and third in Wisconsin.

The Brookfield Common Council unanimously approved a revised development agreement with Ryan Cos. to add construction of Trader Joe's to the Underwood Crossing shopping center being built at 12821 W. Bluemound Rd.

Trader Joe's agreed to upgrade its architecture and landscaping on its southern side, which faces a frontage road that will be built and the Target store under construction. 

The California-based grocery chain — which has a cult-like fan base and employees dressed in hawaiian shirts — is known for its private label specialty products and wines. It's owned by the same German family that owns the Aldi discount grocery chain.

Founded in 1958, Trader Joe's operates more than 350 stores in 31 states, including about six in the Chicago area. Both Wisconsin stores — at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale and in Madison — opened in fall 2006.

Trader Joe's has said it hopes to open its Brookfield location next fall. 

Ryan Cos. of Minneapolis, Minn., is developing Underwood Crossing on the approximately 20-acre site that formerly housed the Quebecor World printing plant which closed in 2006.

Also planned in Underwood Crossing is a 140,000-square-foot Target store with grocery, a yet-unannounced junior anchor store, PNC Bank and another retail or restaurant.