Initial proposals from the March 10 City Business Districts Report

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If the final product lives up to the preview, Evanston should have plenty of recommendations for how the city can improve its business district.

Representatives from Interface Studio, LLC learned at a Feb. 22 meeting of members of the city’s Economic Development Committee that Evanston’s eight business districts will release their draft study on March 10.

Last May, the Evanston City Council approved a $245,000 consulting agreement with a Philadelphia-based business analytics firm that officials hope will provide a blueprint for the city’s economic development success as it emerges from Covid-19.


“In business owners, think of ways to combine experiences and insights at the beginning of planning and discussion, rather than at the tail end.”

Advice from Sruvis Advance Report.


The company’s research included a survey of 2,100 residents and more than 220 business owners.

“This was a tough lift,” Sarah Kellerman, a member of the Interface Studio team, told EDC members. We fielded a lot of questions and I have to say, the business community was very thoughtful and often provided long-winded answers.

Most of the company’s recommendations are related to business and economic growth, with 55.8% of business owners listed as the No. 1 priority in surveys.

Renderings of what Fountain Square might look like in winter and summer. Credit: Interface Studio LLC

Kellerman offered a small example from the organization’s research — focusing on how the city distributes money through its Great Merchant program.

The company says, “60 to 90% of the money is spent annually on landscaping and maintenance of existing plants and green spaces.”

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