Albion development narrowly approved
This final design for the development was narrowly approved by the city council.
December 15, 2017
In a narrow 5-4 vote by City Council, the 15-story Albion development at 1450 Sherman Ave. was approved for construction on Nov. 15, angering those who opposed it.
“The building does not comply with a couple aspects of the zoning ordinance,” 7th Ward Alderwoman Eleanor Revelle said. “This sends a signal to other developers that we [Evanston] are prepared to ignore important parts of our zoning ordinance.”
The main debate surfaces from the building being too large and not providing an appropriate transition from high rise buildings in Evanston’s downtown area to surrounding neighborhoods.
“In my view, the building is too tall and too massive for that particular location,” Revelle said. However, those who oppose the development do admit it could benefit Evanston in some ways. The development will move a large population into Evanston, which could bring a large amount of economic vitality to smaller businesses and restaurants. When finished, the Albion development will add 273 rental apartments and 186 parking spaces to the downtown area. While this does add more opportunity to cultivate various establishments, that number of apartments available for rent could mean that overpopulation in the downtown area.
“I don’t see Evanston as being overcrowded just yet,” Revelle said. “However, there are three proposals circling that have plenty of residential units in them. At some point, I do think there will be too many people for the immediate area.”
Longtime restaurant Tommy Nevin’s has closed and will be torn down, while Prairie Moon will be accommodated into the development.
Even with the controversy surrounding the recently approved Albion development, one thing is for sure, construction will begin in mid-2018.
Lars Lonnroth • Feb 4, 2018 at 12:18 pm
Even as a person who doesn’t have a direct connection to Evanston—I’m all the way out in La Grange, Ill—Stone managed to grip me with this story. Really well done!
Andrew Fisher -- ETHS alumni 1968 • Dec 23, 2017 at 2:30 pm
One of the main positive practical reasons the Evanston City Council narrowly approved the 15 floor Albion tower (which I oppose) was its nearby proximity to public transit, particularly the CTA purple line. Now that this building has been approved, if it is actually constructed, it is the City of Evanston’s practical duty to also FUND AND CONSTRUCT A SIDEWALK ON THE WEST SIDE OF SHERMAN BETWEEN LAKE AND GREENWOOD. This will allow this building’s residents easy access to the Dempster CTA station — without having to cross Sherman twice if things remain as things are now.