Evanston preservation panel votes to encourage landmark nomination for Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center

The Evanston Preservation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to encourage a local landmark nomination for the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue.

The move follows extensive public comment and a staff overview of the local landmark nomination process, interim protections and potential consequences and benefits, including federal and state historic tax credits and landscape protections.

Supporters said the building is significant for multiple reasons beyond its Georgian architecture: its long public use, documented architectural provenance and a history tied to women’s education and local Black civic leadership. "I strongly endorse the designation of this building as a local landmark," said John Kennedy, a resident who spoke during the public-comment portion. "This structure has grown to be part of our historic heritage." Joan Safford, a long-time Evanston resident, urged commissioners to consider the building’s women’s-history connections and detailed research compiled by Mary McWilliams.

Commission staff member Cade (preservation staff) outlined how the local nomination process works: any resident, a commissioner, a member of city council, the mayor, a nonprofit headquartered in Evanston or an owner of record can initiate a nomination; once a nomination form is filed the property receives interim protections while the commission schedules a public hearing. "The interim protections essentially, until the property a decision has been made…