Foes of 35-Story Tower Proposed Downtown Ready For Fight

As developers of a proposed 35-story downtown seek a three-year extension on construction, opponents of the building are preparing for a fight. 

“This isn’t a good deal for anybody,” says Henry Goldman, president of the Sherman Plaza condo association. “The majority of the citizens in Evanston are against it.”

Members of the city council are expected to vote on the extension request at Monday night’s city council meeting, after it was tabled at a meeting on Nov. 11.

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Council members first approved a special use permit for the site in March 2009. The approved plans call for a mixed-use development with 218 dwelling units, 271 parking spaces in the building and 18,258 square feet of retail and office space. Developers obtained several site development allowances to permit the building to exceed maximum regulations downtown, including an approved height of 385 feet.  

When it was first proposed, the tower drew resistance from downtown residents, according to Goldman, who was involved in a group formed to protest the tower. He said many of the same people are mobilizing to oppose it again. 

“Number one, we think it is absolutely too dense for the small piece of property that’s there,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the proposed tower would likely force several businesses to move from the first floor, including one of the city’s oldest businesses, William’s Shoes. Professionals in spaces on the second floor could also have to move—at least while the new building is under construction.

“Some of them will move someplace in Evanston, but some will not,” he said. “Some may move out of Evanston at that point.”

Giving the developer a three-year extension would create three years of uncertainty for the businesses there, not knowing whether or not they should go, and if so, when, according to Goldman. 

Writing on Patch, fellow tower opponent Lawrence Weinberg also says he believes the new building would destroy, rather than revitalize the downtown.

“We choose to live here precisely because our city is not overdeveloped and has college-town charm,” Weinberg wrote. “Look to neighboring places like Glencoe, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth and Lake Forest. All beautiful, and all zoned to protect that beauty. Let us keep Evanston on that list.” 

In 2009, developers estimated that the building would generate more than $4 million annually in real estate taxes, once it is fully occupied. The property is part of the Washington National Tax-increment Financing District, which is set to expire in 2018. 

“In the 20 years after the TIF expiration, we expect this project will generate over 114 million dollars in real estate taxes, large portions of which will be distributed to the school districts and the City,” the developers wrote in a 2009 plan for the tower. “Not only is this good for the city, it is good for the schools, parks and other agencies that make Evanston a great place to live.”

In the 2009 plan, the developers also committed $1 million to redesign and renovate Fountain Square plaza.

Do you have an opinion on the proposed tower downtown? Share it in the comments or post it on Patch.