If the final product lives up to the preview, Evanston should have a wealth of recommendations heading its way on how the city might improve its business districts. Representatives of Interface Studio, LLC are expected to release their draft study of Evanston’s eight business districts March 10, members of city’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) learned at their Wednesday, Feb. 22 meeting. Last May, the Evanston City Council approved a $245,000 consulting contract with the Philadelphia-based firm for the business analysis study, which officials hope will provide a blueprint for city’s economic development success as it emerges from Covid. The firm’s research includes surveys of 2,100 residents and over 220 business owners. “This was a heavy lift,” Sarah Kellerman, a member of the Interface Studio team, speaking remotely, told EDC members. “We put a lot of questions out there and I have to say, the business community responded very thoughtfully and often with long-form answers.” Many of the firm’s recommendations deal with support of business and economic growth, which 55.8% of business owners listed as their No. 1 priority in the surveys. Renderings of what Fountain Square might look like in winter and summer. Kellerman provided a small example from […]
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