New public spaces could revitalize Chicago-Evanston border
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Rendering of the One Howard Street development. Courtesy of the Rogers Park Business Alliance
Chicago wants to revitalize its northern border with Evanston by developing more public spaces along Howard Street.
Why it matters: Several Howard Street businesses have closed since the pandemic, and residents have raised concerns about public safety in the area.
The big picture: The city has embarked on projects to improve Howard Street before, but this marks the first time Evanston and Rogers Park have worked together on a corridor plan.
Driving the news: Stakeholders on both sides of the border announced plans this week for the One Howard Street project, which proposes new community spaces from Western/Asbury, heading east all the way to Sheridan Road.
- The project focuses on pedestrian-designed infrastructure, including upgrading shopping spaces, creating outdoor events spaces and improving the Howard CTA stop.
What they're saying: "Howard Street shouldn't be a boundary, it should be a neighborhood," Rogers Park Business Alliance's Sandi Price tells Axios.
Context: The RPBA collaborated with development group Muse to create the plans, funded through a $99,000 state grant awarded in 2022.
- Both the cities of Chicago and Evanston have earmarked tax money or tax credits for this project to move forward.
What's next: The project is estimated to take 5-15 years to complete.