The great Evanston Fountain Square at the intersection of Sherman, Orrington and Davis will be getting a new look with a complete renovation according to the city of Evanston. The Evanston Fountain Square is a war memorial with pieces on many wars dedicated to the people that gave so much to help America.
I quote part of an article in the Evanston Round Table, "Evanston City Council approved an outline for a complete renovation of Fountain Square as a special order of business on Sept. 15. The project will begin almost immediately with visioning workshops in October leading directly to design.
The City anticipates visioning and design to cost $300,000 and the entire construction project an additional $2.3 million.
Fountain Square has been the heart of downtown Evanston since 1854, according to a presentation made by Director of Public Works Suzette Robinson. The area was dedicated as “Fountain Square” in 1876, and became a war memorial in 1949. The current fountain was constructed during the 1976 bicentennial.
While the square has served as a public space for celebrations, including Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day remembrances, and the City Christmas tree during the holiday season, it has never been large enough or accessible enough for big crowds. Larger events always require the shutting down of sections of public roadways.
Visioning allows for the complete reinterpretation of the public square. Ideas mentioned have included the permanent closure of Sherman Avenue between Church and Davis streets, creating a large public pedestrian plaza. Orrington Avenue would be changed from one-way to two-way, should the Sherman stretch close."
If you are not an Evanstonian and ever get a chance to visit the great city of Evanston IL a trip to the Fountain Square should be on your itinerary.
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