Debate Over 49 Story Tower Continues
Residents of Evanston are still locked in a rather heated debate over the proposed 49 story tower that could be constructed at the site on 708 Church Street. Building at this downtown Fountain Square location could force some current merchants out of business and many residents are doubtful that the benefits of the tower outweigh the drawbacks.
Developers Klutznick-Fisher and Focus Development argue that the project would have retail space and about 200 condos that would bring both new residents and businesses to town. They also said they would commit to renovating Fountain Square if the project is green-lighted. But that isn’t exactly good news to some people. Many of the residents who have been attending the Planning Commission meetings say that they would prefer more family-oriented housing and worry that increased property values would drive up rent costs in the area.
A recent ordinance change and new plan for developing the downtown area has opened the door for what would be the tallest tower in the area outside of Chicago. The dispute has been fueled by anger over a closed-door meeting the City Council had with the developers back in March. It was ruled that the meeting violated the Open Meetings Act and recently released minutes of the session show that most of the aldermen favored the project, or at least developing the square in general. This has caused rumors that the city will allow the tower to be built regardless of public opposition.
We’ll have to see if the Evanston tower actually comes to pass and if Klutznick-Fisher and Focus Development become the first Chicago Home Builders to bring a true high-rise to the suburbs.
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