Harley Clarke Mansion Demolition Donation Deal Signed

EVANSTON, IL — City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz signed a memorandum of understanding Monday with representatives of the Evanston Lighthouse Dunes citizens group. The deal commits the group to pay for the demolition of the Harley Clarke mansion if the plan receives final approval. Under the terms of the deal, the group will provide $400,000 within 60 days.

The city then has two years to receive approval to demolish the mansion and coach house or the money will be refunded. The group also agreed to provide an additional donation of up to $100,000, inclusive of any leftover money from the initial donation, once demolition is complete.

Bobkiewicz said several payments toward the deposit were received last week, and the citizens' group provided $260,000 Monday. The agreement is binding upon the five citizens and one non-profit foundation that signed it, according to city staff.

Aldermen voted 6-3 to enter into negotiations with the group on June 18. The City Council then voted 5-3 to sign on to the deal July 23, "only if no costs associated with the 'Natural Site Restoration' as defined herein are borne by the City of Evanston," the agreement notes.

If the bids for "Natural Site Restoration" – demolition, tree removal and related costs – exceed $400,000, the Evanston Lighthouse Dunes will deposit any additional funds within 120 days of the receipt of the bid, according to the agreement. If no additional funds are provided, the agreement is voided and "all funds are refunded."

In order for the city to receive permission to tear down the landmark structure, the city must first seek permission from its Preservation Commission. If the commission denies the request, the City Council can overrule it and approve demolition by issue a certificate of "appropriateness," "special merit" or "economic hardship." Those decisions may also be appealed to the Cook County court, according to city code.

Bobkiewicz said city's demolition application is complete and will be filed with the commission earlier this week. Preservation Commission staff, he said, have indicated there would likely be a special meeting held in October to consider the matter. He said the city would post an initial list of donors on its website.

The Evanston Electoral Board last week rejected challenges to a voter-initiated advisory referendum, which will ask voters if the city should "protect from demolition and preserve" the buildings for public use "at minimal or no cost to Evanston taxpayers."

Full Document: Memorandum of Understanding signed Aug. 27 »

Related:

• Harley Clarke Referendum Cleared To Appear On November Ballot
• Aldermen Approve Amended Harley Clarke Demolition Agreement
• Harley Clarke Demolition Donation Deal Comes Before Council
• Council Approves Harley Clarke Demolition Negotiations
• City Council To Consider Offer To Demolish Harley Clarke Mansion
• Alderman Reject Lease Of Harley Clarke Mansion To Nonprofit Group

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