Preservation League of Evanston, 1003 Dobson 60202

10/11/2024

Supporters of public use for the Harley Clarke mansion--Oct. 14th is your time to let your opinions be heard!

What: Speak at the City Council meeting this Monday at 5:30 pm in support of Evanston Community Lakehouse and Garden’s proposal, the only public use proposal. You will be able to hear all the presentations, 4 in total.

The other proposals plan to finance the rehab of Harley Clarke with a lot of exclusive high-end weddings and little community access.

The use of the Harley Clarke mansion has been of significant public concern and engagement for over a decade.

Despite that, it looks like the City Council plans to discuss and vote immediately.

When: Monday Oct. 14, 5:30 pm. Sign up online or sign up in person to speak.

Where: Civic Center, 2100 Ridge, Council Chambers and on zoom.

Thanks for all your past and current support!

10/03/2024

Big Questions Remain on Harley Clarke

There are three proposals for “adaptive use and rehab” of the Harley Clarke mansion being considered by the City Council.
Two are from developers focused on generating a lot of revenue to pay off their large investments in rehabbing the building to provide a hefty return to investors.
Only one is focused on providing a space for community activities including exhibits, artists, meetings, programs, and activities for persons of every age.

The good news is that all three proposals have the financial capability to renovate the building, which 80% of residents voted for in a referendum. Now the questions are which of these proposals provides the citizens of Evanston the greatest benefit?
Will expensive weddings happen every weekend throughout the summer as well as the rest of the year and interfere with residents’ use of the beach and parks?
Is an exclusive bourbon bar and speakeasy something the community wants?
Will residents be able to walk into the building without having a credit card in hand?

Nearly every Council Member commented that their primary desire is that the community should have full access to the building and grounds. They also recognized that “some commercial use” was necessary to support the operations and maintenance of the building, but none of the Council Members seemed to want the building turned over to a developer just to make money.

Harley Clarke’s future is scheduled for the City Council meeting on October 14. Indications are that the lease will be quickly considered through a Special Order of Business to be voted on that night. This is intended to avoid a public discussion on how the building will be used. We cannot let his happen.

What can you do?
Let your Council Member, the Mayor and the City Manager know that you think there is no reason to rush this decision.
Let them know that the question on the future of Harley Clarke ought to be referred to the Parks and Recreation Board and Preservation Commission for their review.
Ask them for full transparency through public presentations of each proposal with questions being asked as to how each proposal promotes the desires and satisfies the needs of the Evanston community.

After all, it is our community asset.

Signed
Evanston Community Lakehouse and Garden Officers
Emily Guthrie, President
Patrick Donnelly, Vice President
Nancy Sreenan, Treasurer
John Walsh, Secretary

03/05/2024

Safety Town registration is moving along. And enough teens volunteered for the first morning session that we've been able to close applications for that one.

The district 65 school board will vote next week to confirm the summer school dates so we will be assured when we will be meeting.

For camper: consider putting together a group of neighbors and friends and we will be sure to seat them all together.

09/30/2023

08/01/2023

Civic Center, 2100 Ridge. No one in Evanston is clamoring to abandon the CC. Staff is driving this and has been for over 30 years.
The question was put to voters in 2007 who overwhelmingly agreed that the City should stay there.
More room than staff needs? Rent out space to a daycare, add a coffee shop/cafeteria, maybe a workout room.
Move the Police Dept HQ there.
Make better use of dedicated parkland with events. Rent it out.
We don't need to spend $70 million to build a Civic Center in the downtown, the most expensive land here and the highest tax paying. A Civic Center would take that land off the tax roll.

01/07/2021

Landmark homes in Evanston qualify for a historic plaque.

12/02/2020

Landmark house? We have a plaque for you.

Architectural history preservation

09/01/2020

Landmark plaques are available. $225 includes shipping.

08/21/2020

Landmark home plaques.

08/21/2020

Historic plaques for landmark homes in Evanston. $225.