Evanston Lakehouse Only Group to Answer City's Harley Clarke RFP

Evanston, IL (October 30, 2017) -- Evanston Lakehouse & Gardens (ELHG), an Evanston-based not-for-profit, was the only group to submit a proposal in response to the City of Evanston’s Request for Proposals for non-profits to lease the Harley Clarke House and Coach House. The proposal details the organization’s plan to restore the historic building and Jens Jensen gardens and create an inspiring space for the appreciation of the environment, cultural history and the arts. The ambitious plan for renewal and inclusive community use is consistent in its scope with similar models that have been successful throughout Chicagoland and beyond, and is compliant with the Evanston Lakefront Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2008.

The ELHG Board, made up of a diverse group of Evanston residents, has been working on the plan for more than three years, and the original ELHG plan was recommended by the City's Harley Clarke Planning Committee, Parks and Recreation Board and Lighthouse Landing Committee in June 2017. To date, ELHG has secured more than $100,000 in financial commitments towards the estimated $5 million project, and the group is eager to launch a full fundraising campaign if the City selects the ELHG proposal and enters into a lease.

"For these ambitious community development projects, the important questions are - 'Is this a strong plan? Is this good for the community? Does the community support it?'. Through the Harley Clarke Planning Committee and now the RFP process, we have shown that the answers to those questions regarding Evanston Lakehouse are YES,” said ELHG Board President, Tom Hodgman. “Just like other important projects in our community, first everyone agrees on a plan, and then they focus on raising the money. We are very grateful to our generous supporters for the financial commitments we have secured to date, and look forward to providing supporters the certainty a lease will mean to them in becoming anchor donors."

In addition to restoring and repurposing a local architectural icon, the group outlines a plan to develop new programs focused on experiential, environmental education and history that leverage the buildings landmark status and setting next to Lake Michigan, the dunes and Jens Jensen Gardens. More than 20 varied organizations, from Landmarks Illinois to LakeDance and from neighbors to Northwestern’s Center for Water Research , wrote in support of the group’s plan that would turn the long-neglected, City-owned building and property from a liability into a true asset, as an economic engine for cultural tourism, education and events. Benefits to Evanston residents are outlined in the detailed proposal, which is available for viewing online here.

The full proposal can be viewed on ELHG's website or the City of Evanston's website. City Council will consider the RFP response at their November 13 meeting and individuals can show their support by contacting their alderman, attending the City Council meeting on November 13th to voice their support, or making a pledge towards the project on ELHG’s website.

ABOUT EVANSTON LAKEHOUSE & GARDENS

Evanston Lakehouse & Gardens (ELHG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit formed in December 2015 to restore and repurpose the Harley Clarke property and historic Jens Jensen gardens, while identifying the best possible solutions for its future use in keeping with Evanston’s Lakefront Master Plan. Evanston Lakehouse & Gardens is comprised of a volunteer group of Evanston community members concerned with restoring this landmark property for future generations of Evanston residents while creating an economic engine for long-term financial sustainability. For more information, visit online at www.Evanstonlakehouse.org .