Evanston's City Council voted Monday, Oct. 26, to introduce an ordinance for a 26-story, 360-unit tower at 900 Clark St., setting up a final vote Nov. 9.
Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) cast the only vote against introduction. Most council members on the Planning and Development Committee said they supported moving the project forward, though several raised concerns about affordability and the lack of family-sized units.
The tower, proposed by Continuum Development, would stand 298 feet tall, as Evanston Now reported. That would make it one foot shorter than the 605 Davis St. tower that won council approval in November 2025.
Twenty percent of the units, or 72, would be set aside as affordable for households earning 60% of the area median income (AMI). That threshold would make the project eligible for the Cook County Affordable Housing Special Assessment Program, which provides developers a reduction in property taxes.
Kelly said she opposed the project because of those tax breaks, saying she believes they undermine affordability overall.
Ald. Matt Rodgers (8th) said he supported the project but pushed for a broader look at what the city gives developers who receive tax incentives. He said the inclusionary housing ordinance should address those entitlements.
"We're hearing that people want a 12- to 15-story building, which just is not feasible in our downtown," Rodgers said.
Ald. Parielle Davis (7th) also backed the project but said she wanted more housing for larger families. Just over 2% of the proposed units would have three bedrooms.
Davis said people should not pretend the housing is meant for families, calling it housing for young and retired residents.
Before the council vote, neighbors voiced opposition during the Planning and Development Committee meeting. Residents of the Optima Views tower across the street raised concerns about wind, traffic and the possibility the building would mainly attract Northwestern University students.
Dan Berens, speaking during public comment, said the project lacked features that address long-term residents' concerns about making Evanston more walkable and distinctive.
Evan Meador of Continuum said the proposal was part of a "broader vision" for downtown Evanston.
The city's Land Use Commission had previously voted 4-1 to recommend approval, according to the Evanston Roundtable. Commissioners found the site well-suited for a high-rise despite opposition from nearby residents.
