We appreciate you taking the time to complete the following survey. Your responses are voluntary and confidential. Alderman Rue Simmons and City Staff are seeking your input on what should be built at this important corner, the eastern gateway into Evanston's 5th Ward. The process for finding a developer will be public and they will have to fulfill the plan that we put forward, informed by your responses.
The Church and Dodge business district has transformed in recent years as a result of public and private sector investment. Youth Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) constructed a $10 million headquarters and relocated from south Evanston. The City of Evanston acquired 1823 Church and invested in infrastructure upgrades including upgrades to the geo thermal hvac system and installation of a new outdoor patio. Locally owned businesses C&W Market, Ebony Barbershop, Tom's Beauty Supply, Gyro Planet and Cutting Edge Hair Gallery received a total of $75,000 from the City of Evanston for facade improvements.
In Spring of 2019, the City of Evanston acquired 1805 Church Street after the property underwent an environmental remediation paid for by Chevron. We would like to assemble the former gas station property with two adjacent vacant residential lots acquired ten years ago. The assembled property totaling 17,000 square feet presents an opportunity to continue the neighborhood improvements and provide housing and services to the neighborhood.
The city zoning code contemplates a mixed-use building with three stories and active ground floor retail
OR an "iconic building" totaling two stories with religious/community/cultural/civic uses. Staff Recommends Mixed-use with commercial on first floor to support commercial corridor starting at Darrow on east to Y.O.U. / ETHS on west
