Program Update

The City has contracted with Glantz, an Evanston-based brand studio, to develop a unique, customized brand, logo, and website design for the Legacy Business Program. The official kickoff meeting will be held with the Working Group on March 7th. The process will be driven by engagement from the pilot legacy businesses and input from the Working Group.

Legacy Business Program Pilot Businesses

Check out the list of pilot businesses for the new Legacy Business Program.  See a businesses not on this list? As the program kicks off, additional legacy businesses will be include. See the process for nomination below!

Program Overview

Evanston’s heritage resources are vitally important, binding its residents to their physical environment, and defining the City’s unique character and identity. However, Evanston’s living heritage remains largely underrepresented and vulnerable from threats such as improper alterations, increasing rent structures, changes in the market economy, and corresponding development pressures.  The purpose of the Legacy Business Program is to celebrate, advocate for, and retain Evanston’s living heritage as embodied through the legendary businesses which contribute significantly to the City’s historic, cultural, economic, or social identity. 

The new Legacy Business Program has four distinct goals:

1. Strengthen the local economy and the capacity to build resiliency within Evanston’s business districts

2. Preserve and celebrate the City’s unique character and living heritage

3. Foster civic pride and promote the health, wellbeing, and general welfare of Evanston residents

4. Be a tool for providing educational, promotional, and financial assistance to Legacy Businesses to support their continued viability and success.

Evaluation Criteria

To be considered for the Legacy Business Registry, a business must meet the following three criteria and provide a written narrative describing the businesses history, unique characteristics, and contribution to the City’s living heritage. 

1. It has operated in Evanston for a minimum of twenty years.

2. It has demonstrated a significant historic, economic, cultural, or social contribution to a population or community, neighborhood, or the City.

3. It commits to retaining its distinctive physical characteristics and business traditions which contribute to its identity.

Nominate a Business

The Legacy Business Program Working Group is currently identifying businesses to pilot the new Legacy Business Program and needs your help! To nominate a business, please complete this short form and include the business name, the year it began operations, and a short narrative describing what makes that Evanston business legendary. 

Stay tuned for more information and legacy business highlights!