Evanston’s “Little Spire” Narrowly Wins Approval
By a vote of 4 to 3, the proposed 49 story tower slated for construction in downtown Evanston was approved by the Plan Commission in mid December. The vote was actually split among the men and women of the commission, with the men and the project wining the majority by one vote.
The community, just like the commission, has been distinctly divided over the tower. Those for it claim it will be a boost to the redevelopment and expansion to the downtown area. Those opposed to it say the design doesn’t fit, it is too tall and the city engaged in private negotiations with the developers James Klutznick and Tim Anderson, which is essentially illegal.
The developers pushed the point that the new tower would benefit the city by increasing the property taxes and thus aid the Fountain Square renovation. Klutznick and Anderson also promised to purchase the adjacent Hahn Building and bring it back to its former glory. They state they also intend to seek LEED certification.
Opponents to the tower express concerns that the retail section of the mixed-use building will draw customers away from the downtown shops. Residents say they would prefer housing that favored families, such as single homes, instead of condos that could potentially only draw part time residents and not permanent ones.
The next vote on the project will occur this month, so we’ll have to wait and see if the tower does eventually go forward and Evanston gets what will be the tallest high-rise outside of Chicago. That would definitely put them on the map, for better or worse, and make them competitive with other well known Chicago Homes for Sale.
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