Environmental Group to Share Proposal For Harley Clarke Mansion

City officials and representatives of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a community meeting next week to discuss the IDNR's interest in the city-owned Harley Clarke Mansion, 2603 Sheridan Rd.

After Evanston aldermen rejected a bid from Col. Jennifer Pritzker to purchase the mansion and turn it into a hotel, the historic property's future was up in the air. City officials said the mansion needed extensive and costly repairs, while representatives of its longtime tenant, the Evanston Art Center, said they hope to stay in the building. 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff will present information about the agency's operations, provide more details on their proposed use of the mansion and answer questions at the meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 15, according to a press release from the city.

The IDNR first expressed interest in a long-term lease of the building this October, according to a press release from the city. The statewide environmental agency would use the mansion to house its Coastal Management Program, among other IDNR programs, the release said. 

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the Parasol Room of the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave.