Podolsky|Circle CORFAC International has successfully represented the Evanston Art Center, a 501(c )(3) organization located in Evanston, IL, in locating and negotiating for the acquisition of their new home for its expanded campus in Evanston, IL. Randy D. Podolsky, SIOR, Managing Principal and Adam J. Tarantur, CCIM, Principal headed the advisory team for the strategic relocation project.
Evanston Art Center will relocate from its current facilities at 2603 Sheridan Road, their home since 1966, into the 20,000 sq. ft. building at 1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL. The former office building will serve as its new headquarters after a complete renovation. The building’s vintage 1940s Art Deco style will enhance the character of the Center’s visual branding and street presence. The property includes its own parking lot, plentiful street parking and public transportation.
1717 Central Street will be transformed into the place where creativity meets community. The new facility will be innovative in both its design and multi-disciplinary offerings, which will include programming and educational activities in the areas of culinary arts, design, digital fabrication, music and a broad array of visual arts in addition to expanded gallery spaces. Special amenities such as a coffee shop called the “Art Bar,” will also be part of the exciting new space.
Evanston Art Center offers extensive and innovative instruction in broad areas of artistic endeavor to individuals from over 80 zip codes through studio art classes for all ages, exhibitions, interactive arts activities, public lectures and free youth outreach activities, all of which are designed to engage and enrich the individual and the community. Founded in 1929 by civic and cultural leader Alice C. Riley, Evanston Art Center has remained a vital part of the Evanston community for over eight decades.
Podolsky and Tarantur were sought out by the Not-For-Profit because of their previous successes in providing strategic real estate advisory services to 501(c )(3) organizations. They coordinated the negotiations for the Central St. facility after an exhaustive search of the greater Evanston area. Podolsky|Circle provided comprehensive commercial real estate services, ranging from strategic planning and site selection to acquisition and financing consultation.
Assisting Evanston Art Center are counsel Coree Smith at Kirkland & Ellis, lender First Bank & Trust and Design-Build contractor The Dobbins Group. Podolsky|Circle coupled with The Dobbins Group recently to complete the renovation of Roycemore School in Evanston. The team prides itself in innovative and cost effective design and construction services intended to mitigate surprises and deliver projects on-time and on-budget within the cost constraints of the client’s resources.
