BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Construction is underway on the Brookfield Public Market, a planned destination for local vendors and small businesses at the former Boston Store site at Brookfield Square Mall. The market is targeted to open by spring 2028. The project is intended to help revive the mall’s north side, where the former department store stood near Moorland Road. Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto said the city wants to put the vacant site to use and bring more activity and shoppers to the mall. Plans from Visit Brookfield show a mix of local vendors, retail shops and outdoor event space. Visit Brookfield President and CEO Nancy Justman said community feedback pointed to strong interest in independent, locally owned businesses, and described the market as a potential starting point for entrepreneurs. Organizers said they visited more than 45 public markets around the country, including the Milwaukee Public Market, while developing the plans. Visit Brookfield estimates the Brookfield market could attract about 1 million visitors annually. The market is a public-private partnership involving the city, Visit Brookfield and Irgens Development. The city is contributing funding, while Visit Brookfield will own and operate the market. Ponto said a convention center has helped bring activity to the mall’s south side; he hopes the new market will give the north side a similar boost. The project’s expected opening remains more than a year away, and the plans outline a proposed mix of uses rather than a confirmed roster of vendors.