After months of deliberation and years of community planning, Evanston City Council approved a James Park location for the Levy Senior Citizen Center.
But while one resident called the spot “beautiful,” others are far from pleased.
Council members voted 7-2 in early March to build the new center on the corner of Dodge Avenue and Mulford Street. Officials said they don’t know when construction will begin, but they expect the center to be finished in June 2001.
Evanston residents and City Council members first saw plans for the new center at the council’s March 27 meeting. Carol Ross Barney from Ross Barney and Jankowski Architects presented the building plans that she had been been preparing for the past six months.
“We want the building to appear progressive,” she said about the modern design, which includes an angled roof and a courtyard in the center.
Doug Gaynor, head of Evanston’s Parks, Forest and Recreation Department, said the new location is good for many reasons.
“First, it’s in a park,” he said. “It’s in a wonderful setting with indoor facilities and an outdoor setting.”
The new center also is easily accessible by public transportation, Gaynor said.
He said the James Park property is already off the city’s tax rolls, which means the city will not lose revenue.
Many Evanston residents also support the new location.
“The design is just wonderful,” said Frances Randall, 80, chairwoman of the Levy Center Building Fund Committee. “The location in James Park is beautiful.”
But others would prefer that the center be located downtown or on Oakton Street.
“I think it’s a real mistake for it to be sent to James Park,” said Ald. Edmund Moran (6th).
The new center is a considerable trek from downtown, where most senior citizens live and conduct their business, he said.
Jack Lerman, 69, an art instructor at the Levy Center for 10 years, said he agrees with Moran.
“I had my heart set on the center of town because that is where the seniors are,” he said. “To send them out to the boondocks isn’t fair.”
Lerman said he wanted the site to be the recycling center at 2222 Oakton Street. He organized a petition a few months ago and gained more that 500 signatures in support of the site. But the petitioners’ requests went unheard, he said.
Despite his disappointment with the new site, Lerman said he will not actively protest the council’s decision.
“I cannot buck (Joe) Levy and I cannot buck city hall,” he said. “I’m not an activist. I’m there to teach art, not to raise noise.”
No matter the location of the new Levy Center, residents said it will provide more opportunities and services for members.
Leslie Wilson, interim manager of the Levy Center, said the center hopes to expand its computer and exercise programs.
Highlights of the new center include a computer training lab, fitness rooms, a larger gym and many multi-purpose rooms, Gaynor said. In addition to appealing to seniors who already attend the Levy Center, the new one will attract additional members, he added.
“There’s no question about it that use of the center will increase with the new building,” Gaynor said. “There’s a significant senior population now. It will only get larger with the baby boomer population coming up.”
But until June 2001, when city officials expect the new center to be completed, members will have to settle for an interim location. The city spent months renovating the former Szechwan Place at 1629 Chicago Ave. — and, according to members and officials, their efforts have paid off.
“The city has done a beautiful job,” Randall said. “It’s lovely.”
The Levy Center on Maple Avenue closed Wednesday to prepare for its move to Chicago Avenue. The interim location will open April 17 and will host a community open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18, Wilson said.
