Evanston City Council Advances Record-Setting Highrise Plan
Evanston’s City Council has given its initial approval to a revised plan for a new apartment tower at 605 Davis Street, which is set to become the city’s tallest building. This preliminary vote on October 27, 2025, moves the controversial project one step closer to finalization amidst ongoing debates about density and affordability.
The Evolving Proposal for 605 Davis St.
The journey for the 605 Davis Street site has been a dynamic one. Developers Campbell Coyle and Vermilion Development initially secured approval in 2020 for an office tower, but this plan was shelved due to the significant drop in demand for office space during the COVID-19 pandemic. They later returned with a residential highrise proposal.
Key Changes and Current Details
Following community feedback and calls from City Council members to scale down the project, the developers made significant adjustments. The initial proposal of 31 stories, 430 units, and a height of 330 feet was revised. The new plan reduces the building to 29 floors, 419 units, and a height of 299 feet. On-site parking was also cut from 80 to 40 spaces, with an additional 153 spaces to be leased from a city-owned garage.
A crucial element of the plan is its commitment to affordable housing, with 84 units (20% of the total) designated for individuals earning up to 60% of the area median income. This qualifies the project for a Cook County property tax incentive, waiving the difference between current and post-construction assessed value for the first three years, and then gradually diminishing over 30 years.
| Feature | Initial Residential Proposal | Revised Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| Floors | 31 | 29 |
| Units | 430 | 419 |
| Height | 330 feet | 299 feet |
| On-site Parking | 80 | 40 |
Council and Community Debates
The 5-4 vote to advance the project highlighted deep divisions within the City Council. Aldermen Tom Suffredin (6th), Parielle Davis (7th), Matt Rodgers (8th), and Clare Kelly (1st) voted against the proposal. Ald. Kelly voiced concerns that the property tax cut, combined with the project’s size, would burden Evanston taxpayers and worsen affordability. Ald. Bobby Burns (5th), however, strongly refuted this, arguing that the city would not lose out on existing tax revenue and that further modifications would render the project financially unfeasible.
Public comment saw a mix of support and opposition. Many residents and Downtown Evanston Executive Director Andy Vick championed the highrise, citing its potential to boost local businesses, create street-level vitality, and generate tax revenue. Conversely, critics, including Jeff Smith of the Central Street Neighbors Association, raised concerns about the building’s towering stature and its negative impact on the pedestrian experience. Mayor Daniel Biss also faced scrutiny for a letter sent to JPMorgan Chase advocating for the project, which he defended as consistent with his public stance on affordable housing and density.
What’s Next for the Evanston Highrise?
The proposed highrise at 605 Davis Street now proceeds to a final vote by the City Council at its next meeting on November 10. If given the green light, developers anticipate the first residents could move in by 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the City Council’s decision on the Evanston highrise?
The Evanston City Council gave its preliminary approval (a 5-4 vote) to the revised highrise proposal on October 27, 2025. - What are the key features of the revised plan?
The plan now includes 29 stories, 419 apartment units, and a height of 299 feet. It also offers 40 on-site parking spaces, supplemented by 153 leased from a city garage. - How does the project address affordable housing?
Twenty percent of the units (84 apartments) are designated as affordable housing, aimed at individuals earning up to 60% of the area median income. - What is the debate around the project’s financial impact?
Critics argue that a Cook County property tax discount on the affordable housing units could shift the tax burden, while supporters contend the city will not lose existing revenue and the project’s financial feasibility depends on the current plan. - When is the final decision expected?
A final vote by the City Council is scheduled for its next meeting on November 10.
As the final vote approaches, Evanston residents will be watching closely to see how their city balances the need for development, affordable housing, and preserving its urban character.
Evanston Council advances tallest highrise plan
