It would be great to fill that empty lot which has been that way for several years. With Smylie Brothers, Cozy Noodles, Lulus and Taco Diablo nearby, the area would gain in vibrancy.
The original is actually on display at the Evanston History Center. The fountain in Merrick Rose Garden is a replica that replaced the aging original in 1912.
The Rood Building, on the left in the 1930s photo, burned in 1946, and was replaced by the Fountain Square Building seen behind the fountain in the 1960s photo.
My understanding is that the answer to that question is -- no, the three existing buildings on the corner -- the co-working space, the furniture store and the barbershop building -- all stay.
It would be great to fill that empty lot
It would be great to fill that empty lot which has been that way for several years. With Smylie Brothers, Cozy Noodles, Lulus and Taco Diablo nearby, the area would gain in vibrancy.
Public money to fund public spaces?
This makes perfect sense to me. I hope the effect is to reduce traffic downtown, encourage pedestrians and start to focus attention downtown.
You can't 'committee' public design
First, if the design is great, the spend is justified. The concrete and stone park today is an eyesore and hurts what is a very public area.
Fountain durability
Interesting ... so it looks like fountains in downtown Evanston tend to last less than 40 years ...
1876 to 1912 ... 36 years (original centennial fountain)
The original is actually on
The original is actually on display at the Evanston History Center. The fountain in Merrick Rose Garden is a replica that replaced the aging original in 1912.
Thanks
Thanks, Bill, for those interesting historical details.
Old buildings
Mobility
L.P.,
Fountain
Alas, the photos of 1930's and 1950's Evanston are charming! Makes me wonder what went wrong with urban planning in subsequent years.
Buildings
Why did we get rid of the buildings from 1930 through 1970. Forget the fountain. It will not bring back Evanston's beautiful downtown.
Barber shop
My understanding is that the answer to that question is -- no, the three existing buildings on the corner -- the co-working space, the furniture store and the barbershop building -- all stay.
fountain square
The city is hardly awash in money! Revamping Fountain Square sounds frivolous. Surely a more worthwhile project can be found!
Is this going to take over
Is this going to take over the building that houses Jays Barbershop? That would be sad if it did.
Will the Governor then close it ?
Quinn brags about all the state buildings he closed---would this be next ?
Rauner certainly has the common sense to close it and many more.
Forgetting something, I think
What about mobility-impaired (especially senior) citizens with parking two blocks away? Do they never go shopping at grocery or other stores?