Local Voices
Hewn Closing in on Fundraising Goal for ‘Parklet’ on Dempster
The tiny park would replace parking during warm months. The bakery has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project.
Updated June 19:
With five days left in its fundraising campaign, Hewn needs just over $2,000 more to meet its goal of $14,000 to build a parklet on Dempster this summer.
As of Thursday afternoon, 131 people had pledged $11,826, according to the parklet's Kickstarter page.
Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Original story published June 5:
Hewn Bakery wants your help creating Evanston’s first “parklet.”
Find out what's happening in Evanstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The tiny, urban park would replace the 20-minute parking space outside of Hewn at 810 Dempster St. Such parks are popular in progressive cities like San Francisco and Seattle, Hewn’s owners say, but this would be a first for Evanston. Chicago has a few parklets, dubbed People Spots.
Owners Julie Matthei and Ellen King said city officials approached them with the idea of starting the first parklet.
Hewn has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project.
The parklet, which would provide seating for everyone, not just Hewn customers, is a way to create a sense of community in the area, the women say in their Kickstarter video. They hope it leads to more parklets in Evanston.
Hewn is hoping to raise $14,000 for the project. As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised nearly $1,500.
The women’s goal is to have the parklet built by the beginning of July so it can be enjoyed during the warm months. The space will revert to a parking spot during winter.
You can read more about the project on its Kickstarter page.
Do you like the idea of a parklet? Where else would you like to see ones in Evanston?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.