Opportunities to enhance the Evanston skyline don’t come along every day; the city is small and a number of developers have already honed in on some of the best spots in town. FitzGerald Associates Architects has had at least two bites at the cherry that we know of this year. The first was the lovely, curvaceous Winthrop Club Condominiums that we’ve told you about before. Now comes Carroll Place, an 18-story high-rise with 165 one- to three-bedroom units, slated for the vacant lot at 1881 Oak Ave.
Architect Patrick FitzGerald says a 3,500-square-foot public plaza with seating and a two-story water feature will be an asset to the streetscape, and we’re inclined to agree.
FitzGerald says the building’s Z-shaped configuration reduces the size of the development – which is what the city wanted – and permitted the insertion of the plaza at the corner of Emerson Street and Oak Avenue. But that aside, the building’s skin overall looks a little bland and busy. The use of glass and concret is also disappoingly similar to that employed at Winthrop Club.
It’s time to take architecture to the next level in Evanston now that local politicians have signaled that they want to see progressive contemporary design. Developer Carroll Properties will break ground in summer 2007. Amenities include enclosed swimming pool, sundeck, roof decks, 24-hour doorman and 1,370 square feet of retail space.