Long-vacant home to be rebuilt

Evanston’s Land Use Commission, which previously rejected plans to rebuild a long-vacant home on Colfax Terrace, Wednesday night approved revised versions of those plans — to the joy of neighbors of the property.

Patrick Hillman said he and his wife had worked with their architect to reduce the number of variations required for the project and argued that it was now highly compatible with the neighborhood — which has homes on a cul-de-sac that backs up to an alley.

He said they also had sought a design that would preserve the trees on the heavily wooded lot and continue to shield their neighbors from the view of the alley.

Neighbors speaking in favor of the project included Ann Ryan and Bob Goldman who live across the street at 2353 Colfax Terrace.

Ryan said the property the Hillmans recently bought had been vacant for over 20 years.

“We’ve been thrilled that the Hillmans have been interested in joining the cul-de-sac and are so pleased they’re willing to undertake the rehabilitation of this property,” she added.

Bob Stevens, who lives next door at 2346 Colfax Terrace, said he and his wife “are really excited about the Hillmans’ proposal.”

“It’s appropriate for the space, not a horrendous McMansion. We’re thrilled,” Stevens added.

The project, which originally sought a dozen variations from the zoning code, under the latest proposal needed only three:

1. Reducing the north interior yard setback from 5 feet to 1.5 feet.
2. Reducing the west rear yard setback from 30 feet to 11.7 feet.
3. Allowing a six-foot fence in the front yard where fencing is not permitted.

The Land Use Commission approved those variations on a 6-1 vote.