City Sends Out RFQ for Howard Street Theater

The City of Evanston is requesting proposals for qualified theatre organizations interested in becoming a resident theatre and providing operational services to manage an 80- to 120-seat storefront theater at 721 Howard St., a property that will be developed/constructed and owned by the city.

The Howard Street Theater project will also take up the property at 717 Howard St., which is slated for demolition this year making the site approximately 10,000 square feet in area.

“Adding performing arts to Evanston’s Howard Street border and bringing this theatre to life is a critical component of the City’s redevelopment efforts in the South Evanston community,” said 8th Ward Alderman Ann Rainey. “The award-winning dining and cocktail options continue to draw people from across Chicago and the North Shore to Evanston’s Howard Street.

“Live theatre is an important and logical ingredient to continue the vibrant growth of Evanston and Howard Street.”

The RFQ is available online here.

Responses to the RFQ are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Questions and requests for more information should be directed to the City of Evanston’s Economic Development Division Manager Johanna Nyden at 847-448-8014 or jnyden@cityofevanston.org.

Photo: The structure that currently stands at 721 Howard St.