Empty In Evanston

What Should Move In at 1515 Chicago Ave.?

The owners of the property in downtown Evanston demolished the building earlier this month while they seek a new tenant. What would you like to see move in?

Early in January, bulldozers and a wrecking ball came to downtown Evanston to demolish the one-story brick office building at 1515 Chicago Ave. The building has been mostly vacant since its main tenant, the property management firm Heil, Heil, Smart & Golee, moved to Skokie more than a year ago. Robert Barr, CEO of the real estate firm that manages the property, told Patch that his company razed the building because it didn’t make sense to renovate, and because property taxes are less expensive on a vacant lot. He also said that a developer is interested in constructing an extended stay hotel on the site—but city officials have said they’d prefer to see commercial office space.  What would you like to see move in at 1515 Chicago Ave.? Vote…

•  6 Comments
• Photos (2)

Owner Razes Chicago Avenue Building, Leaving Vacant Lot For Now

Crews demolished a one-story brick office building at 1515 Chicago Ave. this week. A spokesperson for the owners said they would like to build an extended stay hotel, but the city prefers office space.

After crews demolished an office building at 1515 Chicago Ave. this week, the site could become a vacant lot if the owners can’t find a new development that meets city approval. Robert Barr, CEO of the real estate firm that manages the property, said that his company razed the building because it didn’t make sense to renovate, and because property taxes are less expensive on a vacant lot. He also said that a developer is interested in constructing an extended stay hotel on the site—but city officials have said they’d prefer to see commercial office space.  “We have a ready, willing and able tenant,” he said. “If we can’t get the extended stay contract done on the site, we’re just going to let it sit vacant.”  The property at 1515 Chicago …

•  10 Comments
• Photos (2)