16-Story Mixed-Use Tower Proposed For Downtown Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — A developer has proposed building a 16-story mixed-use development atop the current locations of Prairie Moon and Tommy Nevin's Pub in Evanston. If approved, groundbreaking could begin before the end of the year, with the first units completed by the close of 2018.

Albion Residential, a division of Dallas, Texas-based Sammons Enterprises, submitted the request for zoning analysis last week. The tower would be build on Sherman Avenue between Lake Street and Grove Street in downtown Evanston. Preliminary plans include a fourth-floor podium and 10,000 square feet of retail space. Half of that is planned to be used for a restaurant, Albion said.

Albion says it is a strong location for transit-oriented development and increased density. It said Evanston had an improving urban retail market in an established community, which it said aligns with the firm's expertise at building "projects that foster urban live-work-play lifestyles."

New units would be aimed at singles, couples and empty nesters who want good public transit options into Chicago, as well as entertainment, restaurants and retail options within walking distance. The company suggested the building would be perfect for aging Evanston residents who want to stay in the area after selling their house.

The projected timeline for the project:

• Zoning Analysis application: April 2017
• Plan Development process: May 2017
• Daper review meeting: June 2017
• Plan Commission meetings, followed by City Council: Q3 2017
• Groundbreaking: Q4 2017 (estimated)
• Deliver first units: Q4 2018 (estimated)
• Completion: Q2 2019 (estimated; assumes 18-month construction schedule)

Records show Jacqueline J. Goldberg of Evanston currently controls the northern part of the property, spending about $3.5 million on two parcels, while the southern end of the block was bought for $1.3 million by Nevins Real Estate of Willowbrook, Evanston Now reports.

Location of proposed development (Google Maps)

Top photo: Artist rendering of new development (Courtesy Albion Residential)