From the only window of a fourth-floor studio at 1516 Hinman Ave., a crane looms in the distance over the Sherman Plaza construction site. But mostly, a clear sky stretches across the rooftops of downtown Evanston.
This view would be replaced by a parking garage wall with the construction of Optima Promenade, an 18-story condominium building proposed by Optima Esplanade, said members of Hinman-Grove Neighbors, a group formed to oppose the development.
Many residents repeated that argument when the Evanston Plan Commission heard opponents of the proposal at a meeting Wednesday night.
Optima’s proposal to build 175 residential units and commercial and office space at 1515 Chicago Ave. has been decried by neighbors who say the project’s size would be inconsistent with neighboring buildings.
The developers are requesting zoning allowances for both the height and density of Optima Promenade. The Evanston City Council can grant allowances if the developers demonstrate they would provide a “public benefit.”
Neighbors expressed concern Wednesday that the development would decrease the values of their properties, partly because their views would be obstructed.
Mary Linberger, a commercial real estate appraiser hired by Optima, said the homes around the Optima property were “strong performers.” She said the current view was not “particularly attractive” and she found no evidence that their values would diminish because of neighboring condominium construction.
“You’re next to an underutilized site,” Linberger said, adding that the the site will likely become a multi-story building. She said home values have risen since the “renaissance” in downtown Evanston began in 2000.
Opponents said they remained convinced that the loss of view, loss of light, greater noise levels and added traffic would damage the value of their properties.
“A view must be worth something,” said Diane Lequar, a member of Hinman-Grove Neighbors. “Otherwise Optima wouldn’t have named their own properties Optima Towers, Optima Horizons and Optima Views.”
Neighbors were also concerned that additional traffic would further congest the alley between Grove and Davis streets, where the entrance to the new building’s parking garage would be located. At an earlier meeting, Optima had presented a study concluding that extra traffic would not create problems.
“We are not looking forward to being sandwiched between the Mather project and this one,” Lequar said.
The council approved a Mather LifeWays plan last month to build 309 senior residences at the corner of Hinman Avenue and Davis Street.
The Plan Commission also heard the opponents of a proposed development at the former Kendall College property in northeast Evanston.
Smithfield Properties plans to build 16 single-family homes and eight townhomes on the block bounded by Sherman Avenue, Orrington Avenue, Lincoln Street and Colfax Street.
Opponents said the city should allow only single-family homes on the site.
Opponents also said the Smithfield development would hurt property values.
It seemed more logical that the homes, which are anticipated to sell at about $1.6 million, would increase property values, said Lawrence Widmayer, a commission member.
The Plan Commission will hear more debate on the Optima and Smithfield proposals May 10.
Reach Jenny Song at [email protected].
