We, the undersigned residents of Evanston, urge the City Council to reject the current 605 Davis development proposal.

Downtown Evanston is losing its historic character as more high-rises replace the unique, vintage architecture that once defined our community. Many residents are unhappy with this trend, seeing it transform the area into cookie-cutter development while storefronts sit empty. We call on the City to protect and preserve the character of Davis Street and stop the continued sellout of downtown Evanston’s historic identity.

Why We Oppose the Current Proposal
Too Big for Evanston: At 31 stories, the proposed tower nearly quadruples the 85-foot height maximum for downtown zoning. This massing creates dangerous wind tunnels, worsens congestion, and overwhelms our infrastructure.
Unfair Tax Breaks: The developer stands to pocket $40–50 million in tax abatements over 30 years, money that should fund our schools, city services, and community needs.
Environmental Harm: High-rises of this scale double greenhouse gas emissions per square foot compared to low- and mid-rise construction, contradicting Evanston’s climate goals.
Traffic and Safety Risks: With inadequate parking, loading bays, and drop-off spaces, the project will worsen congestion at Chicago & Davis and endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and schoolchildren.

Our Ask: A Better Path Forward
We support redevelopment at 605 Davis—but not in its current form.

We call on the City Council to require the developer to:

• Reduce the height to 15 stories—a scale more appropriate for our downtown.
• Provide 10% affordable housing (without tax abatements) so Evanston retains full property tax revenue.
• Protect school funding by rejecting subsidies that siphon millions away from District 65 and District 202.

Our Vision

Evanston can grow responsibly—with development that:

• Respects zoning standards.
• Ensures affordability without burdening taxpayers.
• Delivers real, lasting benefits for schools, families, and the community.

We urge City Council: Vote NO on 605 Davis as proposed. Say YES to a right-sized, fair, and future-focused plan.

Signed,
The Residents of Evanston