Evanston’s Design and Project Review Committee Wednesday approved plans to remodel the former OfficeMax store at 2255 Howard St. and turn it into a Ross Dress for Less store.
Ross is a discount clothing chain that already has roughly 20 stores within 25 miles of Evanston, including ones in West Rogers Park, Lincolnwood and Skokie.
The storefront will get some new ornamental columns painted with blue bands that are a signature of the chain and new entry doors, but otherwise will not look a lot different than in its former incarnation.
Andy Ardito, a representative of the shopping center landlord, said Ross will keep all shopping carts inside the store.
Community Development Director Johanna Nyden said the shopping center or store tenants need to do a better job of sweeping the parking lot and that because of the angled position of the former OfficeMax, debris blown by the wind tends to collect there.
The committee also recommended approval of plans for Sona Fitness, a small group fitness center on the second floor at 3008 Central St., and for Don Pablo’s Kitchen and Bakeshop, planned to open in part of the former Happy Husky Bakery space at 2601 Prairie Ave.