City of Evanston
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1805 Church Street & 1708-10 Darrow Ave Redevelopment
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. The City 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.
Request for Qualifications/Proposals
The City of Evanston is seeking the development of 1805 Church/1708-10 Darrow. Click on the following link for the RFP document:
1805 Church RFP
RFP Questions From Developers and Answers from Staff
Please contact Economic Development Manager Paul Zalmezak at pzalmezak@cityofevanston.org or 847.448.8013 with any questions.
Community Meetings
5th Ward Community Meeting July 29, 2019
On Monday July 29, 2019 Alderman Robin Rue Simmons hosted a 5th Ward meeting at the Evanston Civic Center in room G300.
Community Meeting Staff Presentation
36R19 Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure for Acquisition of Lot at 1805 Church
Memo For City Council Meeting April 20, 2019 Resolution 36-R-19
Community Survey
City is seeking input on future development on the property. Please click here for a short survey :
http://forms.gle/kHGmshoYh46kPmi2A