Evanston City Council members now have the pieces in place to pass the newest tax-increment financing (TIF) district for the City. Council members solidly backed the introduction of ordinances at their Sept. 13 meeting related to creation of the Five-Fifths Project TIF – the City’s ninth – despite strong criticism of the proposal leveled from some […]
Category: Business & Economy
Posted inArt & Life
New on Central: The Yoga Post debuts
Cydney Crain Post was born and raised in Milwaukee and then moved to the East Coast, but it never quite felt right. “I always felt like a Midwesterner in Manhattan,” she said. Crain Post and her husband decided to move back to the Midwest and while choosing a suburb near Chicago, they came across Evanston. […]
Posted inCity News
Evanston small businesses navigate pandemic with adaptation, community support
Despite some initial business closures, the Evanston small business community worked its way through a challenging year and a half using fast adaptations and creative pivots. Local business groups credit strong community support and the creation of two Facebook groups for softening the impact of the pandemic. “There was a mad dash to figure out […]
Posted inArt & Life
Vintage Garage moves to Evanston, bringing with it 75 sellers
Shoppers at the Aug. 15 Vintage Garage saw no shortage of leather jackets, patterned button-downs, old electronics and retro home decor. The vintage market attracted 75 vendors, who sold everything from Christmas decorations to leather cowboy boots. Hosted in the Maple Street parking garage, the event ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and required […]
Posted inArt & Life
Dancing and dining at the Thursday Night Market
Community members flocked to Fountain Square Thursday evening, where vendors, artists and retailers set up stands and sold beer, cheese, chocolate, clothing, soap, handmade toys, hot sauce and more. Children danced along to music, played by a live DJ, while parents observed the atmosphere. The event – which ran from 3 to 8 p.m. – […]
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Cinnaholic opens its doors in Evanston
Phillip Morales and his mom Liz often struggled to indulge in desserts that didn’t leave them feeling sick. They are lactose intolerant, so for a long time, they would carefully indulge in dessert and wait for the stomach aches to begin. Morales was born and raised in Schaumburg but lived for a while in Las […]
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New plant business spreads aroma of success in former coffee location
Backlot Coffee co-founder Isaac Bloom always had an affinity for plants. Despite his success in the coffee business, Bloom was itching to see if another type of business could flourish in his second coffee location in Evanston. His dream to launch Plant Shop Evanston became a reality during COVID. Right before COVID-19 hit, Backlot Coffee […]
Posted inCity News
Community Alliance for Better Government hosting TIF forum
In an attempt to conserve its Black population, the City of Evanston is considering constructing a TIF in its historically Black 5th Ward. Engagement between residents and City officials has been minimal and has broken down completely at times. On July 29th at 7 p.m., Community Alliance for Better Government will be hosting a forum […]
Posted inArt & Life
Sidewalk Sale and Chalk Art Contest Set for July 22-25
From July 22nd to July 25th, get ready for some amazing deals. Retailers will set up shop throughout the City’s sidewalks from Downtown Evanston to the Main-Dempster Mile. There will also be live entertainment and a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. Follow updates on Facebook! On Saturday, join the fun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. […]
Posted inArt & Life
4 Suns flourishes at Main and Dodge
Immediately upon walking into 4 Suns Fresh Juice, patrons are enveloped by colorful murals, friendly staff, and the sweet smell of sandalwood incense. At only seven months old, the juicery is an oasis of wellness, vitality, and the creativity of Black artists. On Dec. 4, 2020, Gabrielle J. Walker, a captivating woman with a big […]