What Should Move in at Church and Darrow?

The city is currently of 1801-05 Church St., the former site of a gas station at Church Street and Darrow Avenue. So we're wondering, what would you like to see move into the empty space? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Aldermen recently voted to give the city manager authority to negotiate for acquisition of the 11,000-square-foot property, whether as a purchase or through condemnation and eminent domain. Funds for the acquisition would come from the West Evanston tax-increment financing district, according to economic development coordinator Paul Zalmezak. 

Earlier:

The city plans to combine the property with another site it already owns, at 1708-10 Darrow Ave., to create a 16,000-square-foot lot. 

There are some challenges for future developers, since the site is in need of environmental remediation. Four underground storage tanks remain on the property, necessitating at least $75,000 in removal, backfilling and soil remediation costs before the site could be developed. To build a structure other than a parking lot or park space, future developers would also need to construct a foundation, an additional cost of at least $13,000, according to Zalmezak.

Nearby businesses include , the restaurant , a barber shop and a dentist's office. is just down the street. 

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Editor's Note: A previous version of this article contained incorrect information about the foundation. The city has since notified us that it's estimates about the foundation were incorrect, and we have updated the story.