Evanston Will Rename Civic Center Rooms in Honor of Former Mayors

Both the City Council Chambers and adjacent Aldermanic Chambers at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center will be renamed in honor of former Evanston mayors.

The James C. Lytle City Council Chambers will be dedicated on Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m. Lytle served as Mayor from 1977-1985 and previously for four years as alderman of the city’s Sixth Ward.

“During his tenure as mayor, he focused on issues relating to economic development, housing, public safety, capital improvements, and improving the delivery of health and human services,” according to a city news release. “His accomplishments include negotiating for the building of the American Hospital Supply Corporation Building (500 Davis St. building), establishment of long-term City budget policies, creation of a City Board of Ethics and a Housing Commission, and the implementation of a low-interest Mortgage Revenue Bond program, among others.”

On Monday, October 19 at 7 p.m., the city will dedicate the Joan Barr-Smith Aldermanic Library. In 1985, Barr-Smith was the first female to be elected Mayor of Evanston and was also the first woman to serve as alderman of the city’s Second Ward.

Barr-Smith passed away earlier this year.

“During her tenure as Mayor, Barr-Smith was known for her commitment to economic development and for fostering town-gown relations with Northwestern University. Her accomplishments include the development of Evanston’s downtown, construction of a new main library, creation of the blue ribbon panel on homelessness, founding of the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park, and the redevelopment of Marshall Field’s building, among others.”

The public is invited to attend both dedications.