What kind of shop might be in vogue where Vogue Fabrics used to be?
Demolition is under way of the former Vogue store, 718 Main Street, to make way for a five-story, 120-unit apartment building, Vogue on Main, with retail space on the ground floor.
And on the fence surrounding the site, there’s a sign saying “What kind of store would you like to open in this building?,” along with a QR code for responding.
The non-binding survey is from the local business marketing group, Main/Dempster Mile.
The organization’s executive director, Katherine Gotsick, tells Evanston Now that MDM’s board has no position on what kind of business should go there. That’s up to the developer, Catapult Real Estate Solutions.
But Gotsick say, “We hope it will be priced so that an independently owned business can afford the rent.”
Having independent businesses of whatever type, Gotsick adds, will “help keep the character of the neighborhood where people can shop small and shop local.”
So far, Gotsick says, about two dozen ideas have been submitted, with no particular pattern. It’s everything, she notes, from “Super Target to Dave and Buster’s to cute stuffed animal store to deli sandwiches.”
The developer hopes to have the building up and open next fall.
Vogue Fabrics, an Evanston fixture since the late 1940s, has moved local sales operations to its warehouse building on Hartrey Avenue.
Gotsick does note that despite the variety of suggestions for retail in the apartment building, there is only one idea with multiple responses so far: an ice cream shop.
That, Gotsick says, “would be awesome.”
Because really, even in a frigid Evanston winter, ice cream is always in vogue.
It seems a shame that for all the comments we make about panhandling, portapotties, and the Margarita Inn (including my own remarks), we aren’t suggesting uses for the spaces below the new apartments that will be where Vogue Fabrics was.
Years ago there was a wonderful bakery on Main Street. It occurred to me that a bakery/bagel/coffee place might be great, especially for people who will be living in the new units and for others in the neighborhood. People walking to and from the trains also might frequent such a shop.
The concern, I guess, would be the same as for Bennison’s a mile or so north…panhandlers …and also people wanting to use the bathrooms. But any business in that space will be vulnerable unless Albany Care goes away. So it comes back to that.
YES to bakery/bagel/coffee/deli place! In general another place to eat would be fantastic. No to Northwestern admin building\sports medicine\windchime and trinket store. We want amenities.
Agreed with bagel or bakery place. Fred’s bakery would be a good fit. I wish Steingold’s bagels would grab a place. Best bagels in Chicago, IMO.
So nice you both like the idea! Maybe we can have this to look forward to.