Hewn Unveils Evanston's First Parklet Next Week

After a successful Kickstarter Campaign, Hewn Bakery will officially unveil Evanston’s first parklet at a Ribbon Cutting ceremony scheduled for Wednesday,  July 30th at 2:30 pm .  Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl will be joined by government and community leaders, Kickstarter supporters, and Hewn Co-Owners Ellen King and Julie Matthei. 

The Parklet will replace the 20 minute parking space directly in front of Hewn at 810 Dempster St.  through November 1st, 2014.  It will be removed for storage during the winter months and re-installed April 1st, 2015.  Reclaimed wood and corrugated tin provide the basis for the structure.  Planters with native plants and herbs from neighboring business Four Finches provides screening from the street.  Benches and tables made from oak tree stumps provide comfortable places to sit and eat with neighbors and friends. The structure is wheelchair accessible.  In addition, a bike rack is attached to the east side of the structure, freeing up the sidewalk for pedestrian traffic.

The Kickstarter campaign raised $15,426 with 159 donors contributing to the project.  This exceeded the $14,000 goal.  Those funds served to fund the bulk of the work involved to build and maintain the parklet, with Hewn contributing the rest.  Co-owner Julie Matthei states that the Kickstarter campaign was vital at many levels.  “Not only did the campaign raise a significant amount of money, but it also illustrated broad community support and interest. We hope that the success of this pilot program will allow other parklets to be built in the City.  The parklet initiative reflects the progressive approach Evanston takes toward building community, enhancing neighborhoods, and helping local businesses.”