Another cool view of Evanston
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6029/0f41i7gw.jpg
D. Robert Wolcheck/ flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/beigeinside/4556195589/)

via sun-times
http://a.imageshack.us/img708/5637/evmarina080510p3ppfeed2.jpg

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/2563930,evanston-marina-080510-s1.article

Architect floats Evanston marina plan
Comments

August 4, 2010

By BOB SEIDENBERG bseidenberg@pioneerlocal.com

A performing arts center, meeting and convention hall, a new Coast Guard station, theatrical venues galore -- toss in a Barack Obama Presidential Library when the president retires.

Evanston architect Michael Vasilko all but obliterated any citizens' quota for out-of-the-box ideas when he sketched plans for an Evanston Fine Arts and Performing Arts District to members of the city's Economic Development Committee.

Some members of the panel were amazed at the audacity of scope.

Others -- whose constituents live along the lakefront -- were, well, mortified.

Alderman Melissa A. Wynne, 3rd Ward, who heads up the committee, called discussion of the plan a "non-starter," citing the pollution a marina would bring. Wynne's ward includes a portion of the lakefront.

Nonetheless, a number of committee members voted to return to the issue later, at least to see how the city could go about exploring its feasibility.

"I know you've persevered with this idea for a period of time," said 2nd Ward Alderman Lionel Jean-Baptiste, noting the city's growing pension obligations and dipping revenue. "I think we've got begin to think out of the box."

Vasilko, a 20-year resident, architect and admittedly "disturbed taxpayer," first proposed the arts district idea during budget discussions last year.

He said the idea, to which he has devoted 10 months of study, holds the best chance of providing the city a long-term stream of revenue and enhancing the residential, restaurant, hotel and business district now in place..............

The nearly one-million-square-foot development would be located in a land mass at the east end of Church Street under the preliminary proposal.

A marina would be built off the existing boat launch, and just north of the main land mass.

He said the development is intended to interact with existing downtown businesses.

"The idea is these new facilities would support downtown businesses, and downtown businesses would support these new facilities," Vasilko said.

Of the uses proposed, Vasilko said a convention center would be clearly a successful venue economically, along with a properly designed performing arts facility, using the Boston Symphony Orchestra hall as a model...........

Vasilko has asked the city to provide a liaison from staff to help him in conversations with other governmental agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, obtaining facts and engineering help or support.

The committee agreed to discuss the proposal next month. Several members professed admiration at the plan..........

More in link

Constructing two giant spits of land (not to mention the buildings themselves) doesn't exactly seem like a budget-problem solver

wow that marina idea is really dumb.
looks like some ugly dubai project.

all the other projects make sense.
but that is just idiotic.

That is a very ugly rendering.

http://www.bisnow.com/chicago_commercial_real_estate_news_story.php?p=10242

AMLI also sold a $59M complex in West Dundee last week and has a development site ready for a new TOD near the Metra and L stations on Main Street in Evanston.

I assume this is the Chicago and Main site. Hopefully they've redesigned it, although considering it's AMLI it can't be that good of a design.

http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/News_Articles/2010/New-Building-Site.aspx

New site selected for Kellogg building

A new site for a building for Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management has been selected, University and Kellogg officials announced Nov. 12, 2010. This site, located adjacent to Kellogg’s Allen Center, will centralize management research and education activities, creating a unified, state-of-the-art presence on Northwestern’s Evanston campus.

...“Following a thorough review of plans for the building, we’re excited to finalize this site, which offers breathtaking lakefront views, and will be a destination for business and civic leaders from around the world,” said Kellogg Dean Sally Blount. “This site will unify our anchor campus in Evanston, and serve as a foundation for our global network in the 21st century. The design process is underway, and we’re accelerating our fundraising efforts.”

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-12-14/news/ct-met-evanston-detracking-vote-2-20101213_1_honors-students-incoming-freshmen-freshman-humanities

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I think this will upset alot of the Burbians who
live in Evanston for the school system.
This is huge, because much of the basis
for the desireability of an area is its school
system. The school system typically is
the last system that improves in an area.
Only now is Lakeviews School system
becoming decent. Will this set the Evanston
school system backwards for years to come?

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-12-17/news/ct-edit-evanston-20101217_1_honors-track-achievement-gap-students

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/the-spectator/2010/12/evanston-high-school-drops-honors-course.html

For some reason I hadnt driven around
that old Italian Coffee Bar or whatever it w
was called and some girl had told
me that the Brothers K had another coffeeshop
in downtown Evanston.

Finally saw it today
The Other Brothers Coffeehouse
Very cool. I will have to stop in.

It has a very cool awning too.
http://otherbrothercoffee.com/

and if anyone hasnt stopped
by Brothers K
http://www.brotherskcoffee.com/

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/3038698,evanston-closures-012711-s1.article

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/3038698,evanston-closures-012711-s1.article

Good. Close the tightly spaced under performing stations and add widely spaced access points for the remaining stations. Less chances for delays, less station maintenance and less CTA station employees.

People need to realize that changes like these will improve the system for EVERYONE.

Evanston's census count barely budges
Comments

February 17, 2011

By KAREN BERKOWITZ kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com
The latest nose count by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Evanston's population inched up by only 247 people during the past decade, but that the complexion of the population has changed.

The demographic snapshot taken during the 2010 census pegged the Evanston population at 74,486 residents, up only .3 percent from 2000, despite a downtown condominium boom during the early part of the decade.

The official head count fell short of the census bureau's 2009 estimate of nearly 77,800 people as part of the rolling American Community Survey.

Evanston's Hispanic population swelled by 48 percent during the decade, to 6,739 persons, while the Asian population grew by 41 percent, to 6,355 residents.

Meanwhile, the number of black of a single race dropped by 20 percent, to 13,139 residents.

During the same time period, the number of non-Hispanic white residents of a single race dipped by 2 percent, to 45,551 residents.

Non-Hispanic whites now make up 61 percent of the population, down from 69 percent two decades ago.

Non-Hispanic blacks account for 18 percent, Hispanics 9 percent and non-Hispanic Asians 9 percent. Persons of two-or more races and a smattering of other races make up the remaining 4 percent.

One reason the population counts fell short of earlier estimates might be found in another statistic: The large number of vacant housing units.

According to the latest census, more than 9 percent of the city's housing units were vacant when the counts were taken. On the latest census, 3,134 of the city's 33,181 housing units are shown as vacant rather than occupied. The number of vacancies was nearly double the 1,166 recorded in 2000.

The demographic data released for Illinois this week is known as redistricting data and will be used by Illinois lawmakers to remap the lines of legislative districts so the districts are comparable in population size.

The data also will be used by Evanston city officials to redraw the city's nine wards.

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/evanston/news/3075420,ev-census-count-barely-budges-022411-s1.article

http://www.suntimes.com/business/5093462-420/evanston-residents-object-to-proposed-tilted-kilt-restaurant.html

Evanston residents object to proposed Tilted Kilt restaurant
By Bob seidenberg

Some Evanston residents are mounting a campaign asking the city deny a liquor license to a proposed Tilted Kilt restaurant – a Hooters clone, they say, whose scantily-clad waitresses send the wrong message.

Residents have gathered close to 2,200 signatures calling on Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl to deny building owner Ted Mavrakis’ application for a liquor license for a Tilted Kilt on the ground floor of his Fountain Square building, in downtown Evanston.

http://www.suntimes.com/business/5093462-420/evanston-residents-object-to-proposed-tilted-kilt-restaurant.html

Evanston residents object to proposed Tilted Kilt restaurant
By Bob seidenberg

Some Evanston residents are mounting a campaign asking the city deny a liquor license to a proposed Tilted Kilt restaurant – a Hooters clone, they say, whose scantily-clad waitresses send the wrong message.

Residents have gathered close to 2,200 signatures calling on Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl to deny building owner Ted Mavrakis’ application for a liquor license for a Tilted Kilt on the ground floor of his Fountain Square building, in downtown Evanston.


"Many of the biggest concerns focused on the effect such a bar would have on children." :lol:

Don't get me wrong, I think Evanston should strive for something better than Tilted Kilt in the middle of their downtown, but the "won't someone think of the kids?!" argument is pretty hilarious.

Good luck, Evanston. I think Naperville fought and lost this battle against Show-Me's. Not sure if they tried to claim emotional and physical harm against children though. :lol:

wow, talk about stupidity...

My son celebrated his 1-year birthday dinner at Tilted Kilt. 5 of the waitresses came over and sang to him. I'm not sure I've ever seen a bigger smile on his face.

So I think the effect on children is nothing but positive.

Don't get me wrong, I think Evanston should strive for something better than Tilted Kilt in the middle of their downtown,

with the large amount of empty storefronts around downtown evnaston, the city should be bending over backwards begging retailers to activate all of that vacant space with tax revenue generating business enterprises. tilted kilt is not a strip club, its just a themed sports bar. i utterly fail to see what the hell the ruckus about it is. if you don't like themed sports bars, then by all means don't patronize them, but how in the hell would the presence of a themed sports bar in downtown evanston hurt anyone? it just doesn't make any sense.

what a profoundly stupid decision by evanston's mayor.

with the large amount of empty storefronts around downtown evnaston, the city should be bending over backwards begging retailers to activate all of that vacant space with tax revenue generating business enterprises. tilted kilt is not a strip club, its just a themed sports bar. i utterly fail to see what the hell the ruckus about it is. if you don't like themed sports bars, then by all means don't patronize them, but how in the hell would the presence of a themed sports bar in downtown evanston hurt anyone? it just doesn't make any sense.

what a profoundly stupid decision by evanston's mayor.

The closest one is in vernon hills, there is one at 17 N Wabash.
Ive never heard of them, probably because Im old. :cheers:
It hasnt invaded northern cook county yet.

Isn't it high-time you found out why "A Cold Beer Never Looked So Good"?
is their motto

I see they started in las vegas in 2003.
Yeah that definitely wouldve packed them in.
Im sure they are making money hand over fist.

The closest one is in vernon hills, there is one at 17 N Wabash.
Ive never heard of them, probably because Im old. :cheers:
It hasnt invaded northern cook county yet.

Isn't it high-time you found out why "A Cold Beer Never Looked So Good"?
is their motto

I see they started in las vegas in 2003.
Yeah that definitely wouldve packed them in.
Im sure they are making money hand over fist.

There is a Tilted Kilt in the Chicago Loop at/near Madison and Wabash. I've never been there, but I haven't heard reports of kids being emotionally damaged by it's presence.

with the large amount of empty storefronts around downtown evnaston, the city should be bending over backwards begging retailers to activate all of that vacant space with tax revenue generating business enterprises. tilted kilt is not a strip club, its just a themed sports bar. i utterly fail to see what the hell the ruckus about it is. if you don't like themed sports bars, then by all means don't patronize them, but how in the hell would the presence of a themed sports bar in downtown evanston hurt anyone? it just doesn't make any sense.

what a profoundly stupid decision by evanston's mayor.

Agree, but it's not surprised given Evanston has some really weird and ultra-conservative attitudes towards any establishment that involves alcohol.

Remember when someone wanted to open a high-end whiskey/scotch/bourbon retail store on Davis across from the new Sherman Plaza near the Argo Tea? I recall people saying it would become a magnet for heroin addicts and prostitution.

I was shocked when they let Buffalo Wild Wings open up on Church Street.

http://www.evanstonnow.com/story/government/bill-smith/2011-05-09/developer-asks-city-for-price-cut-on-land

Developer asks city for price cut on land
Monday, May 9, 2011, at 10:05 am by Bill Smith

Evanston aldermen this evening will be asked to approve giving the developer of a proposed apartment complex on Chicago Avenue price break of about 15 percent on city-owned land needed for the project.

...That year the city approved a planned development for several parcels along Chicago Avenue south of Kedzie Street under which AMLI would construct 214 apartment units.

...City officials now say AMLI hopes to start construction by the end of this year, with completion by the middle of 2013.
http://imageshack.us/m/231/7407/amlievanston.jpg

http://centralstreetneighbors.com/content/report-forum-eastwood-1700-1722-central-st

Report: Forum on the Eastwood (1700-1722 Central St.)

On June 7, Ald. Jane Grover and Central Street Neighbors sponsored a meeting at the Ecology Center for a presentation by the developer and architect for the property located at 1700-22 Central Street ("The Eastwood"), site of the former Evanston Theatres complex.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9708/eastb.jpg
78 apartments and 13k sf retail

Chicago and Main is now going to be an office tower and not that ugly, ugly condo building that was proposed years ago.

80k sf office, retail, 203 parking spaces (!)
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3272/chicagomainevanston2.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2661/chicagomainevanston1.jpg

^ Nice. Now only if they can get that Fountain Square tower going......

80k sf office, retail, 203 parking spaces (!)


Jesus Christ, why in the hell could you need all that parking? There is parking everywhere in Evanston... I have never once had a problem even finding street parking.

Chicago and Main is now going to be an office tower and not that ugly, ugly condo building that was proposed years ago.

80k sf office, retail, 203 parking spaces (!)
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/3272/chicagomainevanston2.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/2661/chicagomainevanston1.jpg


WOW, that is so much better than that awful condo tower that was formerly proposed there.

i'm still sore about the fact that the beautiful old terra cotta beauty that used to sit there was ripped down, but now that the site has been vacant for years, this is a best possible case scenario. i hope they can move forward on it.

Glad to see an office tower going up there in Evanston at Chicago and Main.
There is enough residential there, people need to work as well!

Like Jane Jacobs says, dont put all your chess pieces in one spot.
Its important to have different use buildings as well as density!
That way its never a dead zone. Busy during the day and night is good for the area.

The AMLI project above was approved and supposedly will start construction this fall.

Focus Development is reviving the Sienna project, replacing the last 2 condo buildings with a single S-shaped 8 story apartment building with 174 units and reduced parking. The developer also claims construction will begin this fall.
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/4922/sienna355x355.jpg

The AMLI project above was approved and supposedly will start construction this fall.

Focus Development is reviving the Sienna project, replacing the last 2 condo buildings with a single S-shaped 8 story apartment building with 174 units and reduced parking. The developer also claims construction will begin this fall.

Okay this is going up at Chicago and Kedzie
where the onestory commerical building now lies vacant
where the salvation army/cleaners were at right?

http://www.amli.com/apartments/chicago/evanston/

737 Chicago Evanston, IL

Hmm it looks like there is a car lot right by there actually
a bit further south. I do wonder what is going on with the former salvation
army one story building though