Plans for a student-built affordable home to be placed in Evanston’s 9th Ward progressed following a City Council meeting on Monday. The council approved the sale of a city-owned vacant lot at 1222 Washington Street to Evanston Township High School (ETHS) with an 8 to 1 vote. The initiative, which involves students constructing a single-family home, is part of a push to offer affordable housing options in the area.
The proposal has garnered support from the 9th Ward’s residents, though immediate neighbors to the proposed site expressed their desire to preserve the land as a garden. They advocated for the space to remain a community green area, citing its proximity to several institutions, including St. Nicholas Catholic Church and the Lydia Home. Residents expressed concern over losing a valued green space, noting the area’s potential for community use and natural conservation.
Before 2022, the land comprised a larger lot that included the Butcher Boy School of Music Production and surrounding green space. A zoning variance allowed the division of this land into two separate lots, facilitating the planned construction. Earlier this year, the City Council agreed to purchase the lot for $231,000, planning to transfer it to ETHS for the construction of a home intended for a family earning less than 120% of the area’s median income. An additional $100,000 has been allocated by the city to address any necessary property work prior to placing the home.
During council deliberations, the Geometry in Construction program at ETHS received significant support. This educational initiative enables students to combine math and construction skills, culminating in the building of homes for affordable sale. Councilmember Juan Geracaris emphasized the broader need for affordable housing, suggesting the home’s long-term presence would outweigh current opposition.
The meeting included robust debate over land use and zoning, highlighting the challenges of balancing development with community concerns. Councilmember Devon Reid questioned the authenticity of opposition to the home, suggesting that neighborhood preferences sometimes hinder necessary developments. Meanwhile, Councilmember Krissie Harris defended the student-built home against claims it might devalue nearby properties, pointing out the high median home prices in the area.
The sole dissenting vote came from Councilmember Tom Suffredin, who did not publicly comment during the discussions. The council’s decision marks a significant step towards fulfilling housing needs while providing educational opportunities for ETHS students.