4 Evanston City Projects ID'd as Most Essential

Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz has set aside a quartet of city projects as the most essential.

In a memo posted on the city’s website, Bobkiewicz wrote that the Harley Clarke Mansion, Howard Street Theater, Downtown Performing Arts Center and Robert Crown Center will all need to be either completed, fully planned or well underway by 2016.

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With the report of the Harley Clarke Committee due in less than a month, Bobkiewicz says it is” imperative that decision making on this property continue to move forward.”

“Economic Development Specialist Cindy Plante and Director Muenzer have done a great job working with the committee and will continue to make this project a priority,” he said.

Developing the theater proposal on Howard Street is “the final piece of the redevelopment of Howard Street between Chicago Avenue and Ridge Avenue,” he said.

“It is critical to bring additional private development to Howard Street that will occur once a project has been approved by the City Council and completed.”

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The final report on the Downtown Performing Arts Center is anticipated to be presented to the City Council on June 20.

“This project could be a transformative one for the future of our downtown and will require attention to move forward,” Bobkiewicz said.

The Robert Crown Center will be in the hands of Assistant City Manager Marty Lyons.

“I am relying on Lyons to keep this project to the forefront of all concerned,” Bobkiewicz said.

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