Planning commission backs special-use permit for Luxe Honor wellness shop; board will vote Feb. 24

The Village of Brookfield’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a special-use permit to allow massage services at Luxe Honor Apothecary & Wellness Center, a retail-focused business proposed for 3745 Grand Boulevard, the board learned at its Feb. 10 Committee of the Whole.

The permit recommendation was unanimous at the Jan. 23 Planning and Zoning hearing. Libby Popovic, the village’s economic development director, told trustees the commission voted 7-0 in favor of the special use for "Luxe Honor, Apothecary and Wellness Center." The business is in a two-story commercial building in the downtown SA-1 core mixed-use district; the subject space is approximately 2,200 square feet.

The petition before the commission would allow massage services to be offered in two back rooms of the shop while the front of the space remains largely retail. Popovic said esthetician services and retail sales are permitted uses; massage services require a special use in the SA-1 zone and must be located away from sidewalk frontage.

Applicant Jennifer Dolgides, the owner, told trustees she has operated similar businesses since 2014 and described the store as a combined product company and service studio. "I'm excited to be in Brookfield," Dolgides said, adding that about 60% of the space and revenue will be retail and that her staff includes a licensed massage therapist whose credentials the applicant said she already submitted to the village.

Trustees sought clarification about licensing and operations. Popovic said massage therapists must hold a state license and that "there's no separate license" issued by the village; the special-use approval at the local level is required in the downtown zone before the massage portion can operate. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to conditions including that the massage use be accessory to the retail store and that the property be developed in compliance with the submitted floor plan.

No formal board vote on the special use occurred at the Feb. 10 Committee of the Whole; President Garvey and staff said the board may consider the matter at the regular meeting on Feb. 24, the earliest date for action under open-meetings rules.

If approved by the board, trustees and staff said the business must show the state massage license prior to opening the massage component. Popovic also noted staff performed a recent inspection and confirmed two rear treatment rooms consistent with the application.

The discussion included questions about revenue mix, staffing and the applicant’s membership model; the transcript shows no objections from trustees at the Committee of the Whole discussion. The board packet included a detailed staff memo and the Planning and Zoning Commission minutes and conditions.

The board will consider formal action at its Feb. 24 regular meeting; staff and the applicant will provide any required documentation before that vote.