The city announced Thursday that the Central Street neighborhood in north Evanston will be the recipient of a national award, to be granted at a press conference at Independence Park on Friday.
In breaking the news on its website, the city invited the community to attend the conference at 3 p.m. at the park, located at Central Street and Stewart Avenue, to “find out why we’re so excited.”
The designation of Central Street as “one of 10 great neighborhoods for 2013,” is expected to come from the Washington, D.C.-based American Planning Association.
On its website, the APA lists a number of characteristics that it considers in making its “Great Neighborhood” awards.
The neighborhood should have a variety of “functional attributes,” such as residential, commercial, or mixed uses.
It should accommodate multi-modal transportation, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
It should have design and architectural features that are visually interesting.
It should encourage human contact and social activities.
It should promote community involvement and maintain a secure environment.
It should promote sustainability and respond to climatic demands.
It should have a memorable character.
Representatives of the Central Street Neighbors Association, the Central Street Business Association, business patrons, students, and neighbors, as well as local political leaders, are expected to be on hand Friday when the award is officially presented.