ReTown President and Managing Director Jim Louthen was the lead landscape architect and project manager for the initial streetscape design and renovation that features ornamental plantings, lighting, brick pavement, and signage.  Infrastructure improvements include street pavement, signalized intersections, cub and gutter, traffic calming, and parking.  The streetscape improvements and beautification have spawned additional investment in private development that have resulted in a dynamic and vibrant corridor that is active 24/7.

Howard Street is a revitalized mixed-use corridor sharing a municipal boundary with the City of Chicago.  Along Howard Street are a mix of unique specialty stores, a variety of housing choices, and destination eateries. Businesses and residents are committed to turning this area into a catalyst that will make Evanston’s most southern commercial district one of its most lively and exciting.

The district is anchored on the east by the Howard Street CTA station that offers Red, Purple, and Yellow Line service. The district spans to the west to Ridge Avenue. The corridor is comprised of mixed-use buildings that range from vintage 1920s commercial buildings to a modern high-rise apartment building. Evanston’s Howard Street Business Association is the driving force behind the revitalization of this district and meets monthly to discuss projects, new business activities, and other critical items.