Howard Street Food Businesses Sought

Submitted by the City of Evanston

The City of Evanston is seeking parties interested in bringing their food-related businesses to two City-owned properties located at 633 Howard St. and 727-729 Howard St. in Evanston.

The City is searching for two tenants that would build on the street's success to date with the award-winning establishments, Ward Eight and Peckish Pig. Ideally, the tenant for 633 Howard St. would bring a food-based use that would attract daytime customers to the area, while the tenant for 727-729 Howard St. would bring a food-based use that would include an entertainment concept, such as live music.

“In just the last few years, Howard Street has become home to some of Evanston’s most popular and successful establishments,” said 8th Ward Alderman Ann Rainey. “A coffee shop or another food-related business at either location will be wonderful additions to this growing business community. The addition of the Howard Street Theatre at 717 Howard St. will generate significant audiences to Howard Street that will continue to build upon the success of this street.”

Earlier this year, the City engaged Ross Barney Architects to design a 150-seat performing arts space at 717 Howard St. This follows on the heels of the commitment by the Strawdog Theatre Company from Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood to relocate to Evanston’s side of Howard Street in the newly constructed space.

Parties interested in the spaces are asked to submit qualifications and intentions to the City no later than Monday, April 18, 2016. Tours of each property will be offered simultaneously on March 21, 2016 between 10:30 a.m. and noon.