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Evanston to pilot downtown pop-up marketplace after high survey interest
Summary
City staff recommended a sequential pop-up pilot in downtown Evanston after a May survey of 109 businesses showed 91% interest; staff proposed an Oct–Dec multi-vendor marketplace with vendor selection in July and onboarding in August–September.
City staff told the Economic Development Committee that a pop-up business incubator is scheduled for a phased pilot this fall after a robust survey response.
Claire (staff) summarized the May 12–29 survey that collected more than 109 business responses — surpassing a 40-business participation goal — and nine property-owner replies that produced five candidate pilot properties in downtown Evanston. The survey found a 91% program interest rate among responding businesses and that 94% were available in the October–December pilot window.
Staff recommended option one: a sequential launch beginning with a multi-business marketplace downtown for three months to test sales and identify vendors, followed by expansion into additional pop-up storefronts if results are positive. “Everything was lining up,” staff said, noting a downtown owner has already expressed buy-in and one site is in lease negotiation.
The proposed timeline calls for vendor application and selection to begin in mid-July, vendor onboarding in August–September and the pilot marketplace in October–December. Staff said the program design and leaseholder structure are being finalized and an LOI is in progress.
Selection criteria will use a three-tier rubric considering revenue, operational readiness, years in business and ability to contribute vibrancy to downtown. Staff emphasized equity in selection and plans to work with Special Service Areas, the Evanston Chamber and community partners on outreach.
Why this matters: Staff framed the pilot as a low- to moderate-cost way to expand market access for small and early-stage businesses and to animate vacant downtown space during the fall months. Committee members asked for continued outreach to property owners, clarified the confidential status of identifying information provided by owners, and supported the sequential approach to limit risk for low-revenue businesses.
What’s next: Staff will return with finalized program design, LOI outcomes and a proposed vendor application process and timeline.
