Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Evanston's Harley Clarke Mansion could soon become community hub

suntimes.com · 2h · first reportShare

The transformation of Evanston’s Harley Clarke Mansion — a nearly 100-year-old landmark along the lakefront — took a major step forward last week. The Evanston Historic Preservation Commission approved Celadon Partners’ plans to turn the Harley Clarke Mansion into an event space with amenities like a coffee shop and restaurant. “This project has been an evolution, and it's been because we've listened to the community,” Celadon Partners CEO Scott Henry said. “I think it's good, [with] time invested up front, to make sure we've got a really great project.” About two years ago, Celadon responded to Evanston's Request for Proposals for the mansion with an adaptive reuse project that would include a boutique hotel. Some portions of the initial proposal, including the hotel, have been axed due to market conditions, but Henry said the team remains committed to keeping the mansion as a public asset while honoring its history. The redevelopment cost remains at $30 million, and the developer's s