The vacant former Studio Media building at 1030 Davis St. would be renovated under plans to be reviewed by Evanston’s Economic Development Committee tonight.
Owner Marty Cless says he’s been negotiating with prospective tenants and is preparing a comprehensive renovation of the bow-truss building for new users.
He’s seeking financial assistance from the city of $18,143 to cover half the cost of a portion of the exterior work — for masonry repairs and new windows — under the city’s storefront modernization program.
A preliminary layout for the renovated space.
In his funding application, Cless says it has been challenging to secure a tenant for the space because of the building’s existing recording studio configuration that hides the ceiling trusses and brick walls behind the sound insulation needed for the studios.
He says he’s planning a gut rehab to open up the space. He is seeking either a single tenant for the roughly 6,000 square foot corner building, or two tenants — with one space entered from Davis and the other from Oak Avenue
The Committee has three other storefront grants on its agenda for tonight.
An image of 816 Church with the planned 10Q Chicken signage added.
- David Yoo and William Song are seeking $3,402 to cover half the cost of new signs for their planned 10Q Chicken restaurant at 816 Church St.
- ORT Resale is asking for $3,010 for a new awning on its storefront at 915 Chicago Ave.
- Connections Health is requesting $2,705 for a new awning and planter at the entrance to its new space at 1324 Sherman Ave., above Lou Malnati’s restaurant.