Demolition Begins: A New Chapter at 1621 Chicago Avenue
Evanston, IL — We’re excited to share the next step in bringing The Legacy—a new, thoughtfully designed multifamily development—to life at 1621 Chicago Avenue. This project marks a significant investment in the continued growth and vitality of downtown Evanston, and we’re eager to see this vision take shape.
As part of the site's preparation, demolition of the existing building is anticipated to begin in early December, with work expected to take approximately two to three weeks to complete. The demolition will take place entirely from the alley and parking lot side of the property, not from the street. Roll-off dumpsters will be placed in the parking lot to manage debris, and all demolition activities will be contained within the site to minimize impact on traffic and pedestrian flow.
The sidewalk access along Chicago Avenue will remain open during demolition. A protective fence will be erected directly in front of the buildings to ensure safety. There will be a period when the façades of the buildings are being taken down, and during that time, additional pedestrian safety measures will be implemented. If temporary adjustments are required, we will promptly notify residents who walk through the area to access the parking lots at Church and Davis Streets.
In the meantime, utilities will be disconnected from the existing structure over the next few days as follows:
Friday, November 7, 2025: Excavation work will take place on Chicago Avenue to expose the water line for disconnection. On the same day, crews will also be working at the north end of the alley to excavate and inspect sewer connection points in preparation for sewer disconnection. During this work, the alley will be closed to traffic, but access will remain open from the south end. Excavation areas will be either backfilled or temporarily covered with steel plates for the duration of the weekend.
Monday, November 10 – Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Sewer disconnection work is scheduled to take place. The alley will again be closed to traffic, with access maintained from the south end.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025: The City of Evanston Water Department has notified all neighbors affected by the upcoming water main shutdown. The shutdown is currently planned to begin around 11:30 PM, though the exact start time is still being finalized.
Thursday, November 13 – Friday, November 14, 2025: Barring any complications, restoration of the excavated areas along Chicago Avenue and the alley is expected to take place during this time. The alley will remain closed to traffic but open at the south end for access while this work is completed.
Further updates will be provided as things develop and progress. In the meantime, we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we take these critical steps toward making The Legacy a reality. Once demolition is complete, construction will begin on this exciting new multifamily development, bringing new energy, modern living spaces, and community-focused design to 1621 Chicago Avenue.