Harley Clarke Proposal Presentations Delayed Due To Coronavirus

EVANSTON, IL—The new coronavirus may have temporarily slowed the Evanston community from breathing new life into the Harley Clarke mansion and coach house, but it hasn't stopped them from prepping for the landmark's future entirely.

The four entities that submitted proposals for the property, which is located at 2603 Sheridan Rd., will have the opportunity to present their proposals to the Evanston City Council later this summer. The presentations were originally planned for May 18, but will be delayed by 60 to 90 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new date will be announced, according to city officials. Community members can view the four submitted proposals in detail at this link.

Last year, city officials issued a request for proposals for the long-term lease of the property to a party that will invest in and renovate the historic building, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune. Proposals were submitted by Evanston Conservancy, Artists Book House, Evanston Community Lakehouse & Gardens, as well as Tawani Enterprises, Inc.

According to the Cultural Landscape Foundation, the Harley Clarke house was designed in the English Tudor style by Chicago architect Richard Powers in 1927 as a private residence for Harley Lyman Clarke, president of the Utilities Power & Light Corporation. It was among the last grand residences to be built in Evanston before the stock market crash of 1929, its ownership passing to the City of Evanston in 1965.

The initiative to save the building has been a years-long effort. In 2018, the fate of the landmark hung in the balance after a fast path of what seemed to be almost-certain demolition. But in a referendum on the ballot, Evanston residents voted overwhelmingly to preserve the mansion from demolition, and with the support of advocates near and far, the mansion was saved.

A unanimous city council vote ultimately upheld the will of the people to "preserve and protect the house, coach house and grounds, including the historic Jens Jensen gardens for use and access as public property." The upcoming proposal presentation is just one of many steps in the process to bring it all to fruition.

SEE ALSO:

• State Partnership Could Spare Harley Clarke Mansion: State Reps
• The Harley Clarke Priority Preservation Campaign Launches Today
• Draft Harley Clarke Proposals To Be Presented At Final Meeting