Opposition to 38-Story Skyscraper at 708 Church
Target:
Evanston City Council
Sponsored by:
Citizens in opposition to proposal for 38-story skyscraper at 708 Church Street in Evanston, Illinois. We feel that the proposed development is out of character with the Fountain Square block and the vision of the majority of Evanston residents.
Citizens in opposition to proposal for 38-story skyscraper at 708 Church Street in Evanston, Illinois. We feel that the proposed development is out of character with the Fountain Square block and the vision of the majority of Evanston residents.
We the undersigned oppose the proposal to develop a dense 38-story retail/condo skyscraper at 708 Church Street in Evanston, IL. We feel that it does not make economic sense, has too many hidden costs, lacks the needed office space, lacks any public benefits, and will forever change the character of downtown Evanston.
We signed the "Opposition to 38-Story Skyscraper at 708 Church" petition!
# 952:
7:09 pm PDT, Jun 30,
Ester Brackshaw, Illinois
I am a resident of the 1st ward and am opposed to the tower
I am a resident of the 1st ward and am opposed to the tower
# 951:
7:02 pm PDT, Jun 28,
Pratiksha Patel, Illinois
I am a resident of the 1st Ward of evanston. Downtown Evanston will be too congested if the high rise tower on 708 Church is built. There are already enough vacancies on the storefronts around Davis and Church due to the economic downturn. This building will produce even more empty storefronts. Also, if Evanston keeps building high rises what will be the difference between downtown Chicago and downtown Evanston? Not everyone wants to live in the city where there is not much sense of a community. I like Evanston because of the community feel that it has.
I am a resident of the 1st Ward of evanston. Downtown Evanston will be too congested if the high rise tower on 708 Church is built. There are already enough vacancies on the storefronts around Davis and Church due to the economic downturn. This building will produce even more empty storefronts. Also, if Evanston keeps building high rises what will be the difference between downtown Chicago and downtown Evanston? Not everyone wants to live in the city where there is not much sense of a community. I like Evanston because of the community feel that it has.
# 950:
6:50 pm PDT, Jun 28,
Chris Brackshaw, Illinois
As a resident of Evanston, I am completely against the high rise tower on 708 Church. The building will significantly increase the traffic in the already congested downtown area. Also there are already a lo of high rises in the proposed area and adding another one would just look ugly against the Evanston skyline.
As a resident of Evanston, I am completely against the high rise tower on 708 Church. The building will significantly increase the traffic in the already congested downtown area. Also there are already a lo of high rises in the proposed area and adding another one would just look ugly against the Evanston skyline.
# 949:
6:48 am PDT, Mar 23,
Kristin Blakeman, Illinois
I am completely opposed to the proposed development of a 35+ story tower at 708 Church. As a downtown Evanston resident (1st Ward) and independent business owner I want to see the historic buildings and character of the city's downtown preserved. If I wanted to live and raise my family surrounded by skyscrapers I would move to Chicago. What Evanston offers is unique and worth preserving. If Evanston were more "small business friendly" we could have a very vibrant downtown full of unique, diverse and locally owned independent businesses instead of the same old big box stores people can find everywhere else. There is already an increasing number of empty storefronts and office space in downtown Evanston. You can't walk down Sherman or Davis without walking past multiple empty stores. National Retailers Pier 1 and Elizabeth Arden have already pulled out leaving large unoccupied spaces. The prospect of promising a developer permission to build a residential/commercial use tower in the heart of downtown that could potentially create a further glut in the condo/retail market is irresponsible. Given current economic conditions, making promises that allow the developer to extend the construction window from several years to over a decade will continue the limbo that has existed at 708 Church and prevent new business from taking root and bringing more jobs and tax revenue to downtown in the near term. Kristin Blakeman
I am completely opposed to the proposed development of a 35+ story tower at 708 Church. As a downtown Evanston resident (1st Ward) and independent business owner I want to see the historic buildings and character of the city's downtown preserved. If I wanted to live and raise my family surrounded by skyscrapers I would move to Chicago. What Evanston offers is unique and worth preserving. If Evanston were more "small business friendly" we could have a very vibrant downtown full of unique, diverse and locally owned independent businesses instead of the same old big box stores people can find everywhere else. There is already an increasing number of empty storefronts and office space in downtown Evanston. You can't walk down Sherman or Davis without walking past multiple empty stores. National Retailers Pier 1 and Elizabeth Arden have already pulled out leaving large unoccupied spaces. The prospect of promising a developer permission to build a residential/commercial use tower in the heart of downtown that could potentially create a further glut in the condo/retail market is irresponsible. Given current economic conditions, making promises that allow the developer to extend the construction window from several years to over a decade will continue the limbo that has existed at 708 Church and prevent new business from taking root and bringing more jobs and tax revenue to downtown in the near term. Kristin Blakeman
# 948:
3:32 pm PST, Mar 7,
CHRISTEL BARRADON, Illinois
THE CITY OF EVANSTON HAS A WONDERFUL SMALL COMMUNITY FEELING, WHILE BEING CLOSE TO THE CITY. BUILDING THE SKYSCRAPER WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM THE FEELING AND MAKE THE DOWNTOWN AREA FEEL LOPSIDED. THIS BUILDING IS UNWANTED AND WILL NOT BRING IN NEW RESIDENTS OR BUSINESSES. THE NEW CONDOS AREN'T BEING SOLD, WHY ADD TO THAT WITH THIS MISSTEP.
THE CITY OF EVANSTON HAS A WONDERFUL SMALL COMMUNITY FEELING, WHILE BEING CLOSE TO THE CITY. BUILDING THE SKYSCRAPER WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM THE FEELING AND MAKE THE DOWNTOWN AREA FEEL LOPSIDED. THIS BUILDING IS UNWANTED AND WILL NOT BRING IN NEW RESIDENTS OR BUSINESSES. THE NEW CONDOS AREN'T BEING SOLD, WHY ADD TO THAT WITH THIS MISSTEP.
# 947:
10:45 am PST, Feb 27,
Cathy Jain, Illinois
We love Evanston and have lived in Evanston for 11 years. Aside from dire economic concerns, we are fearful its historic charm, elegance, and diversity could quickly fade with generic developments like this tower. - Ward 3 resident
We love Evanston and have lived in Evanston for 11 years. Aside from dire economic concerns, we are fearful its historic charm, elegance, and diversity could quickly fade with generic developments like this tower. - Ward 3 resident
# 946:
8:52 am PST, Feb 21,
Margaretta Swigert-gacheru, Illinois
corner of Ridge ave. and Davis St: Please note that the current economic downturn makes it imperative that Evanston's finances NOT be wrapped up in bogus development projects like the socalled Tower, which will only drain tax payers' pockets and serve no useful purpose.
corner of Ridge ave. and Davis St: Please note that the current economic downturn makes it imperative that Evanston's finances NOT be wrapped up in bogus development projects like the socalled Tower, which will only drain tax payers' pockets and serve no useful purpose.
# 945:
1:49 pm PST, Feb 9,
Hollis Johnson, Illinois
8th Ward. Given the current economy and the number of retail storefronts that remain empty in downtown Evanston, let alone the number of unfinished condominium projects in the downtown area, it's inconcievable that any new construction would be approved. It's simply irresponsible on the part of the council. I strongly oppose this project as a long time resident of Evanston.
8th Ward. Given the current economy and the number of retail storefronts that remain empty in downtown Evanston, let alone the number of unfinished condominium projects in the downtown area, it's inconcievable that any new construction would be approved. It's simply irresponsible on the part of the council. I strongly oppose this project as a long time resident of Evanston.
# 944:
7:12 am PST, Feb 9,
Marianne Benveniste, Illinois
8th Ward -- Please note my strong opposition to any Evanston development p[lan that allows construction of more skyscrapers in Evanston. The proposed tower at Foundatin SQuare is particularly out of keeping and incongruous with Evanston aesthetic, not to mention the burden on shared build and natural resource systems.
8th Ward -- Please note my strong opposition to any Evanston development p[lan that allows construction of more skyscrapers in Evanston. The proposed tower at Foundatin SQuare is particularly out of keeping and incongruous with Evanston aesthetic, not to mention the burden on shared build and natural resource systems.
# 943:
11:30 am PST, Jan 30,
Frida Hatley, Illinois
Leave Evanston be, it is congested enough. Most of all it will become too expensive for live long Evanstonians to remain here!
Leave Evanston be, it is congested enough. Most of all it will become too expensive for live long Evanstonians to remain here!
# 942:
10:50 am PST, Jan 30,
John Nolan, Illinois
2
2
# 940:
9:45 am PDT, Sep 24,
Marie Schorn, Illinois
I think building this tower will be a financial disaster for those involved in the venture. We already have lots of condo/business space for sale that is not being purchased. It doesn't meet any needs in Evanston; we don't have the infrastructure. I see no benefit for anyone from this project and disaster for those involved.
I think building this tower will be a financial disaster for those involved in the venture. We already have lots of condo/business space for sale that is not being purchased. It doesn't meet any needs in Evanston; we don't have the infrastructure. I see no benefit for anyone from this project and disaster for those involved.
# 939:
4:55 pm PDT, Aug 26,
Jo Anne Lindberg, Illinois
My concern is that we just build with no plan. I attended several of the focus groups and the planning consultants were just great. I hope we see some of their ideas - other than this one which I think is too high - come to fruition. I like the idea of closing off Orrington between Davis and Church and making it open space. They had many good ideas. I'm hoping we will have a plan that will preserve the unique atmosphere that we now enjoy. At what point do we say enough building?
My concern is that we just build with no plan. I attended several of the focus groups and the planning consultants were just great. I hope we see some of their ideas - other than this one which I think is too high - come to fruition. I like the idea of closing off Orrington between Davis and Church and making it open space. They had many good ideas. I'm hoping we will have a plan that will preserve the unique atmosphere that we now enjoy. At what point do we say enough building?
# 938:
12:00 pm PDT, Aug 23,
Jonathan Goodman, Illinois
8th Ward - like so many other proposed developments in Evanston, this monstrosity is designed to only placate the city by generating tax revenue. The building will additionally assist our city in looking like a further continuation of the condo-high rises along Lake Shore Dr. but without the infrastructure to support the additional traffic.
8th Ward - like so many other proposed developments in Evanston, this monstrosity is designed to only placate the city by generating tax revenue. The building will additionally assist our city in looking like a further continuation of the condo-high rises along Lake Shore Dr. but without the infrastructure to support the additional traffic.
# 937:
1:28 pm PDT, Aug 10,
Karen Blacker, Illinois
3rd ward The scale of this development is gargantuan and does NOT belong in Evanston!
3rd ward The scale of this development is gargantuan and does NOT belong in Evanston!
# 936:
9:47 pm PDT, Jul 31,
Ashlee Humphreys, Illinois
# 935:
8:27 am PDT, Jul 3,
Alexandra Hayden, Illinois
ward 6
ward 6
# 934:
6:42 am PDT, Jun 10,
Mark Miller, Illinois
I would like to express my displeasure with the plans to build the high rise tower development being planned. I think it's completely out of synch with the character and mission of Evanston. Ward 3
I would like to express my displeasure with the plans to build the high rise tower development being planned. I think it's completely out of synch with the character and mission of Evanston. Ward 3
# 933:
8:53 am PDT, Jun 6,
Peg Busard, Illinois
I am adamantly opposed to construction of any sort of tower at 708 Church. Why can't we have open public space near that site? I live in the 3rd Ward and am dismayed by the number of unattractive, post-Stalin style condo projects being built in Evanston. Let's think of better ways to 1) decrease spending 2) generate revenue.
I am adamantly opposed to construction of any sort of tower at 708 Church. Why can't we have open public space near that site? I live in the 3rd Ward and am dismayed by the number of unattractive, post-Stalin style condo projects being built in Evanston. Let's think of better ways to 1) decrease spending 2) generate revenue.
# 932:
6:43 pm PDT, Jun 4,
Ginna Zoellner, Illinois
# 931:
8:26 pm PDT, Jun 3,
Scott Werner, Illinois
8th Ward. NO TOWER!!!
8th Ward. NO TOWER!!!
# 930:
1:15 pm PDT, Jun 3,
Elizabeth Flood, Illinois
# 929:
3:07 pm PDT, May 28,
Steven Carvajal, Illinois
# 928:
3:05 pm PDT, May 28,
Britt Shawver, Illinois
Dear Alderman Moran, I am a resident of the 6th ward and I would like to add my name to the list of people who oppose the development of the tower in downtown Evanston. Evanston cannot solve all of its revenue shortfall problems through the continued development of high density condo buildings. Our city infrastructure is insufficient to handle the increase in traffic, density and use of all major systems. Further, allowing Evanston to devolve into another Lincoln Park or Highland Park will eviscerate all the character that distinguishes us and makes us a destination point - makes us unique. Why voluntarily give up our distinctive diversity? Why court dominant culture, mainstream, "lifestyle" development as Mr. Klutznick refers to it. We can do better than handing over our downtown to the mindless uniformity of the GAP/Ann Taylor/Abercrombie/Taco Bell/Chili's world. Is our new city moto going to be: "Evanston, its just like everywhere else." Why would anyone come to Evanston if its just like everywhere else? There's no parking and the meter enforcement is pecuniary. Why not go to Old Orchard? Or just stay where they are? Please seriously consider voting to permanently stop this development. Vote to affirm Evanston's niche and invest in Evanston's future, by investing in Evanston's diversity. Thanks in advance for your time. Britt Shawver
Dear Alderman Moran, I am a resident of the 6th ward and I would like to add my name to the list of people who oppose the development of the tower in downtown Evanston. Evanston cannot solve all of its revenue shortfall problems through the continued development of high density condo buildings. Our city infrastructure is insufficient to handle the increase in traffic, density and use of all major systems. Further, allowing Evanston to devolve into another Lincoln Park or Highland Park will eviscerate all the character that distinguishes us and makes us a destination point - makes us unique. Why voluntarily give up our distinctive diversity? Why court dominant culture, mainstream, "lifestyle" development as Mr. Klutznick refers to it. We can do better than handing over our downtown to the mindless uniformity of the GAP/Ann Taylor/Abercrombie/Taco Bell/Chili's world. Is our new city moto going to be: "Evanston, its just like everywhere else." Why would anyone come to Evanston if its just like everywhere else? There's no parking and the meter enforcement is pecuniary. Why not go to Old Orchard? Or just stay where they are? Please seriously consider voting to permanently stop this development. Vote to affirm Evanston's niche and invest in Evanston's future, by investing in Evanston's diversity. Thanks in advance for your time. Britt Shawver
# 927:
8:28 am PDT, May 24,
Mary Trew, Illinois
Ward 2
Ward 2
# 926:
12:37 pm PDT, May 22,
Tim Morgan, Illinois
4
4
# 925:
12:11 pm PDT, May 21,
Kiran Soni, Illinois
1st Ward -- I live in downtown Evanston and not in downtown Chicago because I don't want to be dwarfed by massively tall buildings and because I want to shop at independent businesses. This building would look like an eyesore, act like a nuisance by displacing the feel of Evanston, and cost us taxpayers a lot of money. I am totally against this project.
1st Ward -- I live in downtown Evanston and not in downtown Chicago because I don't want to be dwarfed by massively tall buildings and because I want to shop at independent businesses. This building would look like an eyesore, act like a nuisance by displacing the feel of Evanston, and cost us taxpayers a lot of money. I am totally against this project.
# 924:
10:40 am PDT, May 21,
Lydia Ellul, Illinois
I am a constituent of Alderman Bernstein of the 4th Ward. We do not need this tower. Evanston's appeal is its quaint loveliness. There are better ways to generate income from a development. Lydia Ellul
I am a constituent of Alderman Bernstein of the 4th Ward. We do not need this tower. Evanston's appeal is its quaint loveliness. There are better ways to generate income from a development. Lydia Ellul
# 923:
12:14 pm PDT, May 20,
Andrea McNaughton, Illinois
1st Ward
1st Ward
# 922:
7:24 am PDT, May 20,
Jennifer Young, Illinois
(Ward 4) We have enough highrises in Evanston. Please don't turn our town into a spectacle. Leave us with its charm and beauty.
(Ward 4) We have enough highrises in Evanston. Please don't turn our town into a spectacle. Leave us with its charm and beauty.
# 921:
10:08 pm PDT, May 19,
Janet Bein, Illinois
Any building large enough to have its own internal services -- grocer, dry cleaning, etc -- is going to become a closed enclave. See what has happened to the south loop, for an example. All the buildings there are in this class, and the streets are deserted and sterile. Janet Bein Ward 4
Any building large enough to have its own internal services -- grocer, dry cleaning, etc -- is going to become a closed enclave. See what has happened to the south loop, for an example. All the buildings there are in this class, and the streets are deserted and sterile. Janet Bein Ward 4
# 920:
2:41 pm PDT, May 15,
Calin Day, Illinois
I live in the 3rd Ward of Evanston and want to see better options for the city. The developer makes their money, and the city should see a reasonable amount of benefit from the project as well.
I live in the 3rd Ward of Evanston and want to see better options for the city. The developer makes their money, and the city should see a reasonable amount of benefit from the project as well.
# 919:
8:43 am PDT, May 15,
Kate Sullivan, Illinois
Ward 7 - Kate Sullivan
Ward 7 - Kate Sullivan
# 918:
8:06 am PDT, May 15,
Marion Horton, Illinois
# 917:
7:22 am PDT, May 15,
Prabha Sinha, Illinois
Ward 6
Ward 6
# 916:
10:10 am PDT, May 12,
Felicia Doolin, Illinois
I've been living in Evanston for the past 10 years of my life, and I've witnessed many of the changes that have happened within the city for it to get to its current place. That being said, I believe that the Construction of this building will completely take away from the beautiful, peaceful, and friendly feel that Evanston has and has always been known for. I understand that constructing this building is a way for the city to make money, and to bring more people into it...but eliminating CLASSIC retail stores and small businesses that have been there for YEARS, and that have pretty much made the foundation of this town, is absolutely heartless, ridiculous, and greedy. Places like Dr. Wax, Cafe Ambrosia, Williams Shoes, and Uncle Dans have not only developed reputations for having reasonable prices, but they're places that have developed reputations for having wonderful, friendly people that work there, and would be heartbroken if you put them out of business for something as cold and unoriginally modern as this abomination. There's already ONE chicago. We don't need to build a replica of another one with flashy new expensive stores and a giant skyscraper condo to help people discover Evanston. You can be SO much more creative by thinking of a way to emphasis the beauty of Evanston that already exists, and advertise THAT, rather than rolling the city into an operation room to give it breast implants, a chemical peel, and liposuction.
I've been living in Evanston for the past 10 years of my life, and I've witnessed many of the changes that have happened within the city for it to get to its current place. That being said, I believe that the Construction of this building will completely take away from the beautiful, peaceful, and friendly feel that Evanston has and has always been known for. I understand that constructing this building is a way for the city to make money, and to bring more people into it...but eliminating CLASSIC retail stores and small businesses that have been there for YEARS, and that have pretty much made the foundation of this town, is absolutely heartless, ridiculous, and greedy. Places like Dr. Wax, Cafe Ambrosia, Williams Shoes, and Uncle Dans have not only developed reputations for having reasonable prices, but they're places that have developed reputations for having wonderful, friendly people that work there, and would be heartbroken if you put them out of business for something as cold and unoriginally modern as this abomination. There's already ONE chicago. We don't need to build a replica of another one with flashy new expensive stores and a giant skyscraper condo to help people discover Evanston. You can be SO much more creative by thinking of a way to emphasis the beauty of Evanston that already exists, and advertise THAT, rather than rolling the city into an operation room to give it breast implants, a chemical peel, and liposuction.
# 915:
8:56 pm PDT, May 11,
Maxwell Shapiro, Illinois
The height of this project is only ONE of the problems. Most of all, losing the small stores and offices that contribute so much to this community would be a disaster for Evanston. The developer has no feeling whatsoever for the character of Evanston.
The height of this project is only ONE of the problems. Most of all, losing the small stores and offices that contribute so much to this community would be a disaster for Evanston. The developer has no feeling whatsoever for the character of Evanston.
# 914:
4:11 pm PDT, May 10,
Kyli Burke, Illinois
# 913:
6:32 am PDT, May 10,
Daniel Galvin, Illinois
oppose skyscraper
oppose skyscraper
# 912:
8:32 am PDT, May 9,
Chris Meiferdt, Illinois
Hello, I lived in Evanston for 2 years and am looking to move back. I think this building will be an eyesore and there are enough condos already going in. The beauty of Evanston is that its part suburb, part urban. Don't make it too urban i.e. skyskrapers everywhere. Keep Evanston quaint please.
Hello, I lived in Evanston for 2 years and am looking to move back. I think this building will be an eyesore and there are enough condos already going in. The beauty of Evanston is that its part suburb, part urban. Don't make it too urban i.e. skyskrapers everywhere. Keep Evanston quaint please.
# 911:
7:42 am PDT, May 9,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 910:
7:38 am PDT, May 9,
Name not displayed, Illinois
# 909:
7:37 am PDT, May 9,
Name not displayed, Illinois
I do not want to see too populated city of evanston.
I do not want to see too populated city of evanston.
# 908:
4:21 pm PDT, May 8,
Annie Tillmann, Illinois
I regularly shop at the stores that this building would be knocking down. Just this past weekend, I bought a pair of shoes at Williams', a shirt at Uncle Dan's and ice cream from the Coldstone Creamery. I love Evanston even though I don't live there and I think this big building would be an eye sore.
I regularly shop at the stores that this building would be knocking down. Just this past weekend, I bought a pair of shoes at Williams', a shirt at Uncle Dan's and ice cream from the Coldstone Creamery. I love Evanston even though I don't live there and I think this big building would be an eye sore.
# 907:
3:52 pm PDT, May 8,
Abby Miller, Illinois
# 906:
9:04 am PDT, May 8,
Christopher Hoyle, Illinois
3rd Ward. Evanston already has too many condo buildings--things are going to change at some point and all these condos are going to look very "2000s", just like the buildings near Sheridan and Hollywood in Chicago look very "1970s" and the manufacturing in Skokie and west evanston looks very "1950s". People 30 years from now will wonder what we were thinking.
3rd Ward. Evanston already has too many condo buildings--things are going to change at some point and all these condos are going to look very "2000s", just like the buildings near Sheridan and Hollywood in Chicago look very "1970s" and the manufacturing in Skokie and west evanston looks very "1950s". People 30 years from now will wonder what we were thinking.
# 905:
7:29 am PDT, May 7,
Nancy Baker, Illinois
Evanston needs better schools, safer streets, and more programs for youth. How will further extreme vertical development address any of these concerns? What Evanston does NOT need is another ugly condo building constructed by untalented architects and greedy developers.
Evanston needs better schools, safer streets, and more programs for youth. How will further extreme vertical development address any of these concerns? What Evanston does NOT need is another ugly condo building constructed by untalented architects and greedy developers.
# 904:
5:44 am PDT, May 5,
Emily M Gaul, Illinois
same ward as the proposed skysraper
same ward as the proposed skysraper
# 903:
11:24 am PDT, May 3,
Tami Luedtke, Illinois
4th ward
4th ward
# 902:
11:21 am PDT, May 3,
Joel Norris, Illinois
4
4
# 901:
3:16 pm PDT, May 2,
Jen Baker, Illinois
