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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030-R-22 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute A Grant Agreement With the Northlight Theatre4/5/2022 30-R-22 A RESOLUTION Authorizing the City Manager to Execute A Grant Agreement With the Northlight Theatre WHEREAS, the City of Evanston is the recipient of approximately forty- three million one hundred seventy-three thousand six hundred and fifty-four dollars ($43,173,654) in funds from the federal government's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); and WHEREAS, the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a part of ARPA, have been provided to the City to support its response and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency; and WHEREAS, City Council previously allocated $10.1 million in ARPA funds to address the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, Northlight Theatre is in the midst of a multi -year campaign to raise $26 million to construct a new performing arts center on property it owns at 1012- 16 Church Street in Evanston, Illinois; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Evanston previously approved Northlight Theatre's planned development plans; and WHEREAS, Northlight's campaign to raise funding and break ground on the new facility and open their 2022-23 season was impacted in March 2020 by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and d© Page 1 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb3069le4aab559fObdl7ff7dd545450ed23e 30-R-22 WHEREAS, the COVID-19 emergency set back Northlight's plans by two years because it lost significant ticket revenue due to the shutdown of all live performances; and WHEREAS, Northlight is seeking $2 million from the City's ARPA funds, which would expedite fundraising and construction of the new facility, signal to the marketplace that the community is supportive of the endeavor, and help with Downtown Evanston's economic recovery; and WHEREAS, the Evanston City Council has determined it is in the best interests of the City to grant Northlight Theatre's application for $2 million in ARPA funds, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION 1: The City Council hereby adopts the foregoing recitals as its findings, as if fully set forth herein. SECTION 2: The City Manager is hereby authorized to negotiate and execute a grant agreement for ARPA funds with Northlight Theatre. SECTION 3: The City Manager is also authorized and directed to negotiate and execute any additional documents required for the grant agreement as they may determine to be in the best interests of the City. SECTION 4: That this Resolution 30-R-22 shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law. --2-- Page 2 Of 25 Doc ID: 377eb3069le4aab559fObdl7ff7dd545450ed23e 30-R-22 Daniel Biss, Mayor Attest: Approved as to form: �'�� ✓✓cckolas �. Cun�ntci�s Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk Nicholas E. Cummings, Corporation Counsel Adopted: , 2022 MCC Page 3 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e NORTHLIGHT THEATRE Board of Trustees J. Douglas Gray Chair Mark McCarville January 21, 2022 Presiden t Paul Lehner Mayor Daniel Biss Secretary City of Evanston 2100 Ridge Avenue Julie Chernoff Evanston, IL 60201 Vice President Jennifer Christensen Dear Mayor Biss, Vice President Donna Frett Northlight Theatre requests your support in securing funds from the recent federal Vice President stimulus allocation awarded to The City of Evanston for our capital project which is a new theatre center in downtown Evanston. Robert J. Regan Vice President Northlight in downtown Evanston would be extraordinarily beneficial to the Evanston Kelly Ryan community. Specifically, it would have enormous economic impact over five years Treasurer including: Percy Berger s$56.000.000 in New Snendine* E. Faye Butler Northlight in Evanston will cause both Evanstonians and people from neighboring Carole Cahill communities to spend money in Evanston that otherwise would have been spent elsewhere. Christy Callahan Timothy Evans This is good for Evanston because theatre attendees spend money on taxable items - Executive Director food, drinks, merchandise, hotels -which, in turn, generate sales tax revenue which supports the city and its residents. Freddi Greenberg BJ Jones Municipalities are constantly seeking ways in which they can generate this type of new Artistic Director spending. Large-scale cultural venues like Northlight achieve the desired goal of new Yves Lassere spending without draining local resources. Sari Macrie •$450,000 in New Ci#v Tax Revenue* This is a direct outcome of the new spending described above. Dennis Marino Municipalities generally get their revenue from property taxes and sales tax. Home Blythe McGarvie owners in Evanston pay high property taxes; an increase in city tax revenue will help offset the disproportionate amount of revenue that currently comes from property Susie McMonagle taxes. Atlee Valentine Pope In summary, when a city experiences an increase in new spending and tax revenue, Rahul Roy the residual effect is a vibrant local economy with flourishing businesses that attract Evelyn Salk more business development. A world -class theatre in downtown Evanston will elevate Trustee Emeritus the city's stature as a first-class, urban -ring city and cultural hub. Reetu Gowdar Sanders Bob Silverman Craig Smith Thomas D. Stringer ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BJ Jones II EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Timothy J. Evans Dr. Eric Witherspoon NORTHLIGHT THEATRE at the NORTH SHORE CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie Illinois 60077 ADMINISTRATION 847.679.9501 II BOX OFFICE 847.673.6300 II NORTHLIGHT Page 4 Of 25 Doc ID: 377eb3069le4aab559fObdl7ff7dd545450ed23e Equally important is our goal of serving as a public square for the greater Evanston community. The need for a community to share in civil discourse on current and relevant issues has never been greater. Northlight intends to activate its space seven days a week; well beyond the plays on our stage. In addition to offering our space to other community and arts organizations, we anticipate hosting community conversations, guest lecturers from Northwestern and other universities, leaders from area social service organizations; basically any group or organization that requires space to engage with each other and the greater community. Current plans also include an event space for 250+ people on our third level thus offering the downtown area a new home for benefits, fundraisers and special events. Northlight also has extensive education and community engagement programs. Currently we serve nearly 4,000 students per year, including students from many schools located in Evanston and Skokie. And we are deeply invested in using the arts to build strong communities as demonstrated by our existing Evanston -based community partnerships including with Y.O.U. (Youth & Opportunity United), YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Family Focus/ Evanston, Evanston Scholars, Youth Job Center and the Levy Senior Center. Since the initial writing of this letter, Northlight has added the following, new partnerships to its community engagement portfolio: McGaw YMCA, Foster Senior Club, Rimland Services, Center for Independent Futures, the Evanston Public Library. It should be noted that although the new theatre center will be located downtown, in the fourth ward, our impact extends to every ward in Evanston. Our ability to expand and deepen these commitments would only increase with our own space as would our Arts for Everyone program which breaks down barriers to accessing theatre by providing free tickets. Our timing for this project, which we estimate will cost approximately $25,000,000.00 is immediate as our lease with the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts ends in the next three years and we currently intend to start construction in the Summer of 2023. A capital commitment from the City of Evanston in the amount of $ 2,000,000 for a project that benefits Evanston in such an impactful way is critical to seeing this project through to completion. Of course, the benefits to Northlight are numerous but our intent with this letter is to demonstrate the larger impact on the local economy and greater community. Thank you for considering this request. We welcome the opportunity for our capital project to be considered for funding. Given the extensive public benefits that Northlight in Evanston brings to the community, we feel strongly that our request be given careful consideration. Best regards, Northlig Director Theatre *Economic Impact Study conducted by Hunden Partners in December 2015 and updated in July 2019 Page 5 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e NORTHLIGHT THEATRE A NEW ASSET FOO EVANcT^"' When a city experiences an increase in new spending and tax revenue, the residual effect is a vibrant local economy with flourishing businesses that attract more business development. ECONOMIC IMPACT CIVIC IMPACT According to an economic impact study,* in the first 5 years of AUDIENCES Northlight brings in audiences averaging operation in Evanston, it is estimated that Northlight patrons 50,000 per year in its current location. The new will generate: location's close and convenient access to the CTA $56,000,000 in New Spending over 5 years Northlight in Evanston will cause both Evanstonians and people from neighboring communities to spend money in Evanston that otherwise would have been spent elsewhere This is good for Evanston because theatre attendees spend money on taxable items —food, drinks, merchandise, hotels — which, in turn, generates sales tax revenue which supports the city and its residents. Municipalities are constantly seeking ways in which they can generate this type of new spending. Large-scale cultural venues like Northlight achieve the desired goal of new spending without draining local resources. Over $450,000 in City Tax Revenue over 5 years This is a direct outcome of the new spending described above. Municipalities generally get their revenue from property taxes and sales tax. Home owners in Evanston pay high property taxes; an increase in city tax revenue will help offset the disproportionate amount of revenue that currently comes from property taxes. *conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners 2075, updated 2079 and Metra will increase the number of people who can access our programming, in turn increasing the perception of Evanston as a first-class destination and cultural hub. STUDENTS Northlight's thriving Education programs engage thousands of students per year in many schools, including Evanston Township High School and schools in District 65. Through theatre arts, our programs teach collaboration, self-expression and creativity —building future theatre -goers and arts - makers, and better citizens for tomorrow! THE COMMUNITY Northlight is deeply invested in using the arts to build strong communities. Our Evanston community partnerships with Y.O.U., YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Family Focus, Evanston Scholars, McGaw YMCA, Youth Job Center, Levy Senior Center, and CJE engage hundreds of individuals, from youth to senior citizens, with the arts each year. Plus our Arts for Everyone program provides partnering organizations with free tickets to our productions and other artistic events. A location in Evanston will serve to deepen these partnerships and expand our impact. Page 6 Of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e NORTHLIGHT THEATRE Board of Trustees FY22 J. DOUGLAS GRAY - Chair Marshall Street Capital Member Since 2017 Mr. J. Douglas Gray serves as President, Vice Chairman and an Independent Director at Marshall Street Capital (formerly known as Everett Smith Group, Ltd). At the firm, he supports Marshall Street Capital's management team in the development and implementation of the company's investment strategy, spanning broad, diversified assets, to position the group for profitable long-term growth and value enhancement. PAUL LEHNER - Secretary Adducci, Dorf, Lehner, Mitchell & Blankenship Member Since 2017 Paul's practice is concentrated in employment, labor, and general commercial litigation (in state and federal courts and before various state, federal and local agencies), arbitration, mediation and client counseling. Paul has tried cases to verdict in state and federal courts, arbitrations, and before administrative agencies. JULIE CHERNOFF - Vice President Make It Better Magazine Member Since 2016 Julie is a freelance writer and Dining Editor of Make It Better Magazine. She has served on boards of Evanston Community Foundation, Woman's Club of Evanston, and more. She holds degrees from Yale and California Culinary Academy. ROBERT J. REGAN - Vice President AAR Corporation Member Since 2019 Robert J. Regan is a corporate and securities lawyer by training, with particular expertise in SEC disclosure issues, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining AAR, he enjoyed a 25-year legal career with Schiff Hardin LLP. Regan is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Chicago. MARK MCCARVILLE - President Braydon Partners, LLC Member Since 2015 Mark has had a four decade -long career in banking and finance. Since 2003, he has been with Braydon Partners, after a 25-year tenure in executive management with Sara Lee Corporation. He is involved with Metropolitan Family Services, Evanston Community Foundation, and other local charities. DONNA FRETT - Vice President Chicago Botanic Garden Member Since 2015 An alumna of DePaul's Graduate School of Business, Donna now works as an information specialist at the Chicago Botanic Garden and is a member of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She is a mentor for the Evanston Scholars. JENNIFER CHRISTENSEN - Vice President JWC Partners Member since 2020 Jennifer is a global leader who focuses on the recruitment of senior executives and board directors for clients in industrial, technology, consumer goods, and financial services. Jennifer founded JW Partners in 2010 and has more than 30 years of business experience across a broad range of client service and management roles KELLY RYAN -Treasurer PNC Financial Services Member since 2020 Kelly Ryan has been a banking executive for the past two decades and active in a variety of community volunteer initiatives. As a Senior Relationship Manager and Senior VP for PNC she focuses on middle market opportunities. A sampling of the many community organizations she has served are Big Shoulders Fund, Aidscare Chicago, Friends of St. Columbanus Food Pantry, The Chicago Fashion Incubator, and Grow Up Great. Page 7 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e PERCY BERGER Entrepreneur & private equity investor Corporate Director, NorthShore University HealthSystems, retired Member since 2021 Mr. Berger's career achievements span consumer and industrial equipment manufacturing, chemical processing corporations and, in the area of finance, insurance and international banking sectors of the world's leading financial institutions. Mr. Berger also served as a 23-year corporate director of NorthShore University HealthSystems. CAROLE CAHILL Kellogg School of Management Member Since 2016 Carole joined Kellogg more than 35 years ago and has held five different roles in that time. Currently, she manages the Jacobs Center facility, guides special -events functions, and oversees the school's Community and Engagement initiatives. RON CHADHA Allstate Member Since 2022 Vice President, Corporate and Emerging Businesses Strategy at Allstate Ron joined the Northlight board Primarily to share his expertise in strategic planning as the company moves forward with the new theatre center. Ron also serves on the board of Swedish Covenant Hospital. FREDDIGREENBERG Attorney Member Since 2000 A Graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Freddi works as an attorney representing clients in connection with renewable technologies, energy and natural resources FAYE BUTLER mber since 2020 aye is an accomplished and crated theatre actress and singer has performed around the globe to rnational acclaim. Her many awards ude 7 Joseph Jefferson Awards, a 6 guy Adkins Award Excellence in rancement of Music Theatre, a 2016 Rosetta LeNoire Award, 2 Helen Hayes Awards, a Barrymore Award, 4 Black Theatre Alliance Awards and many more. CHRISTY CALLAHAN @ Properties Member Since 2017 Christy is an experienced Licensed Real Estate Broker with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in Advertising, Public Speaking, Media Relations, Real Estate Transactions, and Management, Christy is a strong real estate professional with a BA focused in Journalism from Drake University TIM EVANS Northlight Executive Director Prior to his arrival at Northlight, Tim spent more than 20 years at Steppenwolf in management and producing positions. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the League of Chicago Theatres and on the theatre selection panel for the Princess Grace Foundation Awards. He also serves on the selection committee for the Eisenhower Fellows. Page 8 Of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e BJ JONES Northlight Artistic Director BJ has worked with Northlight since its inception in 1974. He has directed 26 productions at Northlight, commissioned many new plays and produced even more world premieres. A Chicago theatre staple, BJ has been leading Northlight artistically since 1997. SARI MACRIE Strategic Communications Member since 2021 Sari L. Macrie has extensive financial and communications experience, both as a consultant and as a corporate officer, with over twenty years experience in large and small companies, including CDW, Cardinal Health, Allstate and Ameritech. She was the president of Macrie & Associates, a strategic communications consultancy whose client list of Fortune 100 companies included CDW, Cardinal Health, Monsanto, Pharmacia, SBC Communications, Tellabs and Dean Foods, among others. SUSIE MCMONAGLE Community Leader, Artist Member Since 2014 Susie is a Chicago actress with credits from Writers and Court Theatre, to Broadway and national tours. In addition to her career landing a Jeff win and multiple nominations, she serves on the advisory board for The Performer's School in Highwood and volunteers with Y.O.U. in Evanston. YVESLASSERE ENGINEER Member since 2020 Yves Lassere is a 34-year resident of Evanston.. Yves is an engineer and worked for several companies in the Chicago area, including more than 20 years at ComEd. He is currently a management consultant in Supply Chain Management and Project Management. He is also an Engagement Manager at the Executive Service Corps (ESC) working with non- profits in the Chicagoland area. He is a member of the Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club. His past non-profit experience includes board membership at the Evanston High School Educational Foundation, the City of Evanston Minority, Women & Evanston Business Enterprise Development Committee, Financial and Program Committees at Alternatives, Inc., and at Haiti Outreach - an NGO providing access to clean water in remote areas of Haiti. DENNIS MARINO IFF Member since 2020 In his role as Senior Project Manager with IFF, Dennis's scope of work includes real estate focused consulting services involving performing arts organizations. Prior to joining IFF, Dennis worked for the City of Evanston as Planning and Zoning Director. BLYTHE McGARVIE Business Leader Member since 2020 Blythe serves as a member of the boards of directors of Apple Hospitality REIT, Sonoco and LKQ and formerly served on the boards of Accenture, Viacom, Travelers Insurance, Pepsi Bottling Group and Lafarge NA. In 2019, Women, Inc. named her as a 2018 Most Influential Director. Blythe taught full-time in the accounting and management unit at Harvard Business School for two years. Page 9 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e I ATLEE POPE Blue Canyon Partners, Inc. Member Since 2018 Atlee has over 35 years of wide- ranging experiences as a management executive. She co- founded the management consulting firm Blue Canyon Partners in 1998 and became the full owner in 2013. She is also a frequent speaker, guest lecturer, and co-author of a book on growth REETU GOWDAR SANDERS Strategic Business Consultant Member since 2020 Reetu is a freelance strategic business consultant who partners with small businesses, start-ups, and non -profits to develop creative planning and solutions CRAIG M. SMITH - Vice President Eckenhoff Saunders Architects Member Since 2014 Craig is the Principal Architect at Eckenhoff Saunders Architects. He has received multiple awards for his designs. His work with higher educational, institutional, and commercial clients advocates for not only intelligent and creative design, but also a focus on environmental sustainability. DR. ERIC WITHERSPOON Superintendent District 202 (ETHS) Member Since 2021 Eric Witherspoon has been the Superintendent of Evanston Township High School (ETHS) District 202 since July 2006. Throughout his tenure at ETHS, Dr. Witherspoon has focused on equity and excellence to raise expectations and outcomes for all students RAHULROY O'Keefe Reinhard & Paul Member Since 2011 Rahul has worked his way across two continents over a 20+ year career in marketing communications and brand building in the agency business. Rahul holds a B.A. (Honors) degree in English Literature from Delhi University and an M.S. in Advertising Management from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. BOB SILVERMAN VSA Associates Member Since 2012 Bob is the Chief Financial Officer for VSA Associates. Additionally, he has served on the board of Niles Township High School District 219 and holds an MBA from NIU's College of Business. TOM STRINGER Tom Stringer Design Partners Member since 2008 Tom is the President of Tom Stringer Design Partners, a multi -disciplinary firm that has worked in all kinds of markets, from residential interiors, to restaurants, to yachts. His designs have been featured in many publications and earned his firm accolades across the industry. Page 10 of 25 Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e b CD N THLIHT o THEATRE N th Bringing World Class Theatre to a World Class City d O" 6_ �.' IA -• 1.• - ..• • 1�• •• 5 0' O THUG H T 'rHEATR E Let's start with the art: Why Theatre Matters Live Theatre... ...promotes social discourse, and potential societal changE dialogue ...is a collective, spiritual experience that has existed more than 2,500 years ...is what makes us human and gives a community its soul 0. O THLI H T THEATRE In the First Five Years Consider the enormous economic impact Northlight brings to Evanston: $w56M New Spending $450K City Tax Revenue 117 50K+ FTE Jobs People Annually Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e b O THLIGHT 'rHEATR E N Consider the impact on Evanston Students: A new theatre center in downtown Evanston = increased, on -site programming which will result in reaching 2X more Evanston students each year. Theatre arts education equates to: Better Attendance Improved Reading Comprehension Enhanced Self -Esteem Narrowed Achievement Gap According to the National Endowment for the Arts, May 2021 . M 6 f`a d545450ed NORTHLIGHT ' HF TRF Consider the impact throughout our community: Expanded programming to advance the missions of current Community Partners: • Y.O.U. • Youth Job Center • YWCA Evanston/North Shore • McGaw YMCA • Foster Senior Club • Levy Senior Center • Family Focus • Evanston Scholars • Evanston Public Library New programming to advance the missions of even more organizations: • Books & Breakfast • Center for Independent Futures • Fleetwood -Jourdain • Connections for the Homeless • And more! • Moran Center Increased access to the art via our ground -breaking free ticket program, Arts for Everyone. A new theatre center in downtown Evanston = expanded programming with social service organizations resulting in more equitable access to the arts. im Doc ID: 377eb30690- b ORTHLIGHT N Envision a more vibrant Downtown Evanston Activated Theatre Center 7 days a week • Live performances • Education Classes • Music • Film • Dance • Community Conversations & more! Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e b O THLJ HT N New Job Opportunities in Evanston • Professional: expanded full-time year- round staff positions in marketing, fundraising, box office, operations, finance, and administration • Artistic & Technical: artists, theatrical technicians, and craftspersons • Service: part-time positions in box office, house management, concessions, valet, and events • Operations: part-time positions in facility maintenance and janitorial work. • Construction: demolition of existing structures and construction and furnishing of the new theatre center Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e ORTHLI HT 'IF-[FATRE Construction Jobs: Local Employment Program Goals Minority/Woman/Evanston-based Employment Northlight will meet or exceed all of the LEP Goals established by the City of Evanston: • Minority, Woman, Evanston Hiring & Businesses 25% • Evanston Hiring & Businesses 3% Expected Full -Time Onsite Jobs during construction: 25 (average over 17 month construction duration) Expected Journey Workers involved in construction: 200-250 Additional measures to raise awareness and increase engagement: • Implement onsite DEI sensitivity and awareness program • Project as Learning Lab for youth in nearby school and/or ETHS • Conduct Multiple Outreach Meetings • Sponsor and attend multiple employment Fairs • Hold occasional community Meetings (good neighbor capacity) • Local media advertising of trade opportunities / business opportunities • Engagement with associated unions organizations Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e NO THLI HT 'rHEATR E Transportation: How will people get here? Public Transit The new theatre is within two blocks of Metra, CTA train & bus, and Pace bus stops. Evanston City Lots There are 3,300 public parking spaces within a 3 to 5 minute walk: • 1800 Maple Self Park (1400 spaces) • Sherman Plaza Self Park (1250 spaces) • Church Street Self Park (600 spaces) • Lot 27 @ 1621 Oak (36 spaces) • Lot 25 @ 1614 Maple (8 spaces) Valet Parking Northlight plans to provide valet parking options for peak times. Walking or by Bicycle NIVERSITY PE.> P1 P9 - O 91 y c �y a �i auaa T. \ »�NoAhlight TheatreILE P4 W a � i « DAVIS ST. � GROVEST. EMERSON ST.> N, a i Pz a o= .Fe u 5� a � a < UKE ST. > i Public Parking Train Pace Bus Routes CTA Bus Routes Clark Street Beach Dog Beach I• <.ES•AM= Ir IRW � Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e IOF THLIGHT rHEATR E But isn't plight coming anyway? • There are no guarantees. Every capital campaign has inherent risks, though the Northlight team will work tirelessly to raise the necessary funds • Every significant donation unlocks additional, significant donations - from individuals, foundations, and corporations. V-_W 1 1 __ • An investment from the city maintains our timeline for opening in Fall 2024, which accelerates Evanston's economic recovery. • A long-term partnership with the City of Evanston is essential to the success of the district. 1 e4aab559fObd 1 7ff7dd545450ed23e b N ORTH L I WT N 0 N Northlight's Next Act infuses Evz with Cultural, Economic, Academ Community Vitality! North I ig ht's new theatre center will be a beacon of light; a beacon that draws people not just from Evanston, but from the entire North Shore and the City of Chicago. A true public square accessible by several forms of public transportation, Northlight will be the destination driver that is currently missing in downtown Evanston. Doc ID: 377eb30691e4aab559fObd17ff7dd545450ed23e JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY 9TH Dr—ICT, ILLINOIS COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE Chair, Consumer Protection and Commerce Environment and Climate Change Oversight and Investigations COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET SENIOR CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP Mayor Daniel BIss CIty of Evanston 2100 Ridge Ave., #2500 Evanston, IL 60201 Dear Mayor Biss: Tongmifi of t4c Uniteb 149)ttttrs T_�nuse of Erprrsrntstiurs Wafi4ittgton, DO 211515-13119 March 31, 2022 2367 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING Telephone 202-225-2111 Fax202-226-6890 TTY. 202-224-3901 5533 N. BROADWAY, SUITE 2 CH ICAGO, IL 60640 Telephone'. 773-506-7100 Fax: 773-506-9202 1852 JOHNS DRIVE GLENVIEW, EL 60025 Talephone�847:328-3409 Fax' 847328-3425 I am pleased to share my support for Northlight Theatre's recent grant request to assist with building a state-of-the-art theatre in the heart of the city of Evanston, Illinois. According to Northlight staff, this transit -oriented project will include a 300-seat mainstage theatre, rehearsal hall, spacious community lobby, a glass -cubed rooftop "sky room" and roof deck for use as a daytime education center and nighttime event space, several lobby lounges and concession areas, on —site box office and staff offices. Northlight was founded 48 years ago in Evanston. While they have operated in Skokie, Illinois, for some time, the organization has taken steps to move back to the City where they began operating a half century ago. It is my understanding that Northlight has purchased the property at 1012 Church Street and is now actively raising funds to build a new theatre. Their goal is to open in the new center in the fall of 2024, and the organization continues to fundraise to this end. I have been informed that this planned theater will bring much needed economic impact to downtown Evanston as the project is estimated to create $56 million in new spending, generate $450,000 in city tax revenue and create 117 full time equivalent jobs. The City of Evanston has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City previously hosted approximately 30,000 daytime office workers who spent their day in the city and in many cases patronized local establishments. Northlight staff state that this new theatre center will add much -needed vitality to the downtown district with 300+ people coming to city for a production nearly every day of the week. Northlight staff indicate that they intend to activate the building even when they are not producing by hosting dance troupes, film festivals, lecture series, concerts and more. Additionally, Northlight's robust education programs and innovative community partnerships with social service organizations will have access to a new, accessible theatre center in the vibrant and diverse community of Evanston. I believe that this proposed project will meaningfully benefit the Evanston community and its residents, particularly as the area works to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In keeping within your existing rules and regulations, I urge you to give this recent application full and fair consideration. If you need additional information and/or if you have questions, I encourage you to reach out to Mr. Andrew Goczkowski, Senior Advisor & Director of Special Projects on my staff. He is available by email at Andrew.Goczkowski(&,mail.house.aov. Sincerely, Jan Schakowsky Member of Congress WEBSITE http /lwww schakowsky. house gov PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER E-MAIL jan.schakowsky@mad house, gov Page 24 Of 25 Doc ID: 377eb3069le4aab559fObdl7ff7dd545450ed23e �d � No�{hlight Theater N v� project Feasibility - April 2022 Funding Evaluation DESCRIPTION TeamlOrganization Capacity Budget RE 0- 5 GENERAL EXAMPLE GUIDELINES POSSIBLE pRpJECT SPECIFIC EXAMPLES SCO a strategy and was on Northlight has ro eCt until theeelaYed course to deliver the p 1 pandemic impacted revenues ef1enced p Northlight has an p fine tuned project• o has evaluated and the architect wh nt ears. 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Local hiring injt aaitves a communities, priority letters of support from who c oft the project. E al<,e and identified in a stakeholders is 5 Projectlprogram munity plan. e1com of comconcerns. neighborhoodmunity men Acknowledg 4.75 28.50 95% Doc ID: 377e b30691e43ab559f0bd174ff7dd545450ed23e