Politics & Government

Environmental Group Is Interested in Harley Clarke Mansion

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has said it would be interested in purchasing the mansion as a headquarters for its operations in the state.

A statewide environmental group is now interested in the city’s lakefront Harley Clarke Mansion, to serve as a headquarters for its operations and as a coastal education center.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources submitted a letter to city manager Wally Bobkiewicz on Oct. 18, saying that it is “very interested in continuing investigation and potential planning of a partnership with the City of Evanston regarding the Harley Clarke Mansion.” 

Bobkiewicz reported on his conversations with the IDNR, as well as his discussions with the mansion’s longtime tenant, the Evanston Art Center, at a human services meeting Monday. City council members have been talking about the future of the Harley Clarke Mansion for the last two years, faced with mounting costs of repair that officials say the city simply can’t afford.

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At a meeting this September, Bobkiewicz estimated that the 86-year-old property needs $170,000 in basic safety repairs, and on Oct. 7, city officials gave the nonprofit 60 days to investigate those issues and propose a resolution. Among those concerns were operations of kilns in the mansion’s basement, an issue the art center has already addressed, according to city documents

The art center is currently evaluating whether it makes sense to purchase the building or negotiate a longer-term lease, according to Bobkiewicz, while director Norah Diedrich has said the nonprofit hopes to remain in the mansion.

If the mansion becomes available, the IDNR has said that it would like centralize its staff from around Chicagoland and develop a Lake Michigan Coastal Education Center that would be open to the public and available to local schools. The agency has also said it would maintain public beach and lake access, and provide concessions such as kayaks and tours along the lakefront.

Members of the human services committee said they were interested in partnering with the IDNR, and Ald. Jane Grover (7th ward) suggested that the city council should discuss that opportunity while continuing to give the art center time to explore its options. Other aldermen agreed.

“I do admire everyone that’s over there. I admire your spirit,” Ald. Judy Fiske (1st Ward) said of the Evanston Art Center. “But we have to consider our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Evanston."

Ald. Coleen Burrus (9th ward) said she was very concerned about the current state of repairs at the art center, including the location of kilns in the basement with only one exit and possible hazards from lead-based paint. 

“I don’t think it would be safe enough for my kid,” she said.

Members of the city’s fire and buildings departments, however, have inspected the property and say it is safe for habitation, according to Bobkiewicz.

“Your city staff does not believe the building is not safe for occupancy,” he said. “If we did not believe it was not safe for occupancy, we would be telling you that.”

Ald. Grover and Mark Tendam (6th ward), both cautioned fellow committee members to be mindful of not harming public perceptions of the nonprofit during their discussions, and an attorney for the art center spoke up to defend the use of the building. 

“Regardless of where the art center ends up, we need to make sure that people know that they can send their children there,” said Barack Echols of Kirland & Ellis. “I don’t want there to be any suggestion in the press or elsewhere that the building is not safe for operation.”

Many residents spoke up at Monday night’s meeting in support of the Evanston Art Center, saying they hope the city will find a solution that allows it to stay at the Harley Clarke Mansion.

“What is now needed is a clear and unambiguous commitment for the continued occupancy of the Evanston Art Center within the Harley Clarke Mansion,” said Jerry Hausman. “Removing this ambiguity would be a clear statement as to our values and intentions.” 


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