Evanston Greenlights Apartments Despite AME Church Concerns

Despite concerns and protest from one of Chicagolands historic Black churches and its congregants, Evanston City Council voted to move forward with zoning approval for a multifamily building next to Ebenezer AME Church.

The vote, which was held on July 13, gives the green light for PM Properties to redevelop two properties at 1103 and 1105 Emerson Street to build a five-story, 30-unit apartment complex. Three of the units are earmarked for affordable housing initiatives, and will be on offer for 40 percent of the area’s median income, according to the Chicago Tribune. The church sits at 1109 Emerson Street.

Ebenezer AME ‘s concerns are primarily with the heights and density of the development, along with worries that the construction would impact the church’s structural integrity. When construction is completed, congregants believe that future tenants might be too loud, and the City Council didn’t state to the developer the proper way to build next to a historic landmark.

The battle between a combination of the church with Evanston’s Historic Preservation Commission and the proposed development last month resulted in a “good neighbor” ordinance addition to the agreement. PM Properties will be required to work with the city to get approval of exterior building colors and materials, replace the building elevations and submit documents regarding the church’s condition before receiving a construction permit. Beyond the permit contingencies, the developer also agreed to not install loud sound systems on the rooftop deck, build the church a taller fence around its parking lot, and implement onsite noise monitoring for future tenants.

Despite the list of concessions being placed in writing, some congregants don’t trust that the city will be able to act if the agreement is violated. City officials argued to a crowd packed with church members that the good neighbor agreement is undoubtedly enforceable due to the permitting process. City Council members did not clarify when construction would commence, according to the outlet.

— Hunter Cooke