Central Street Named One of '10 Great Neighborhoods'

While Evanston has gotten a lot of attention this week in anticipation of the Northwestern-Ohio State game, the neighborhood around Ryan Field is also getting some national recognition.

The American Planning Association (APA) announced Friday that it had designated the Central Street neighborhood as one of the 10 great neighborhoods for 2013 in its "Great Places in America" program.

Evanston's Central Street neighborhood was the only neighborhood recognized in Illinois. Other neighborhoods include San Francisco's Chinatown; downtown Norwich, CT; the historic Licking Riverside neighborhood in Covington, KY; and the Beaufort Historic District in Beautfort, SC. The APA also recognizes ten "Great Streets" and ten "Great Public Spaces" each year.

“The Central Street neighborhood is much greater than the sum of its parts,” APA CEO Paul Farmer said in a press release. “By weaving together its many assets – a lakeside locale, niche retail, college sports and active recreation opportunities, and transit options – Central Street emerges as a colorful and attractive hometown, college town and regional destination."

The APA cited proximity to the lake, Ryan Field, the Grosse Pointe Lighthouse, Lighthouse Beach and Perkins Woods among Central Street neighborhood's amenities. The planning association also praised traffic calming features like bump-outs at intersections and dedicated bike lanes, as well as access to public transportation. 

Other highlights included the neighborhood's 4th of July Association and annual parade, the Central Street Garden Fair, the nonprofit Curt's Cafe and the Central Street Business Assocation. 

“Central Street is indeed a special place, not just to those who call it home, but to all Evanstonians,” said Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl.  “We are happy to receive this recognition and to showcase the extraordinary neighborhood.”

To read more about the 2013 Great Places in America, visit the APA website.