Philanthropist Buys Vacant “Ten Ninety Brewing Property” in downtown

By Staff Reporter | July 7, 2026

GLENVIEW, Ill. — For years, locals have watched downtown Glenview struggle while attention and tax dollars flowed elsewhere. Now, a quiet North Shore philanthropist is betting that the heart of the village is finally ready for its revival.

Richard Colburn, a local investor known for his behind-the-scenes support of arts and education, has acquired the long-vacant building at 1015–1025 Waukegan Road—the former home of Ten Ninety Brewing Co.

The deal, brokered by Glenview Realtor® Virginia Trux of @properties Christie's International Real Estate, is being hailed by some as a turning point for a downtown many feel has been overlooked for decades.

The “For Sale” was taken down off the brewhouse.

"It takes a community to build a great downtown," said Trux, who represented Colburn in the acquisition.

A Long-Awaited Shift

The criticism references is one long echoed by small-business owners and residents alike. For years, village resources and redevelopment energy were channeled into The Glen—the massive former naval base redevelopment—and tax-increment financing (TIF) districts that many felt siphoned attention away from the historic downtown core.

Meanwhile, the Waukegan Road corridor, once a bustling stretch of local commerce, saw vacancies mount. The departure of Ten Ninety Brewing left a particularly noticeable gap—a space that had been a gathering place for craft beer lovers and a anchor for nearby shops.

Colburn's acquisition, Trux said, represents a different kind of investment—one rooted in community faith rather than quick returns.

"Every so often, one has the privilege of participating in a transaction that is about much more than buying and selling real estate," Trux said. "Richard saw potential where others saw a vacant building, and I was honored to help bring that vision to life."

A Tenant on the Horizon

While Colburn is still negotiating the final details of a lease with what Trux described as an "exciting tenant," formal announcements about the building's future use will come from the future occupant at a later date.

Speculation among locals has ranged from a new restaurant concept to a mixed-use space combining retail and community gathering areas.

What's clear, Trux said, is that the vision extends beyond the property lines.

"The most rewarding part of my work isn't simply helping clients buy or sell property," she added. "It's connecting people with opportunities that have the potential to strengthen a community. When relationships, vision, and trust come together, the impact extends well beyond the closing table."

A Community Poised for More

The deal comes at a moment of cautious optimism in Glenview. With new leadership on the village board and growing resident advocacy for downtown revitalization, some believe the pieces are finally falling into place.

"Either way, Glenview has it now," Trux said. "A community that cares about doing the right thing, realtors that have a community vision, trustees that vote for the right things, and business owners that want to give 100%."

The transaction, she emphasized, reflects continued confidence in Glenview as a vibrant place to live, work, invest, and gather—a sentiment many residents hope will finally translate into the downtown they've been waiting for.

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Virginia Trux is a Glenview-based Realtor® with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. She can be reached at 847-997-2042 or Virginia@VirginiaTrux.com. Information for this article was sourced from a press release dated July 7, 2026.