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Evanston staff outline Ev anston Thrives projects funded by ARPA, including kiosks, murals and bridge lighting
Summary
Staff reported progress on Ev anston Thrives projects funded by ARPA: district kiosks with directories, several gateway murals in fabrication, lighting designs under rail bridges pending agency approvals, and a pop-up program and business/property surveys to be reported back in May.
City staff gave the committee a midupdate on Ev anston Thrives projects supported by ARPA funding and highlighted near-term deliverables and installation timelines.
Katie, who oversees parts of the Thrives rollout, said the city has executed a contract for a retail pop-up program and has developed a property-owner and business-owner survey planned to open the first week of May. She described a package of district signage and kiosks—each with branding and a map/directory—and several gateway murals already finished or in fabrication, with summer installation anticipated where agency approvals permit.
Katie also showed lighting concepts for several Metra and CTA bridges; those designs are under agency review (CTA and Union Pacific) and will require adjustments depending on attachment permissions. Staff said ARPA-funded projects must be completed and the funds expended by the end of the year, which is driving an accelerated timeline on several items.
What's next: Staff will report back at the end of May with survey results and with progress updates on the pop-up program, kiosks and bridge-lighting approvals. Members encouraged continuing coordination across public works, traffic engineering and the economic development team to ensure wayfinding and streetscape work align with ongoing projects.
