Hewn Closing in on Fundraising Goal for ‘Parklet’ on Dempster

Updated June 19:

With five days left in its fundraising campaign, Hewn needs just over $2,000 more to meet its goal of $14,000 to build a parklet on Dempster this summer.

As of Thursday afternoon, 131 people had pledged $11,826, according to the parklet's Kickstarter page.

Original story published June 5:

Hewn Bakery wants your help creating Evanston’s first “parklet.”

The tiny, urban park would replace the 20-minute parking space outside of Hewn at 810 Dempster St. Such parks are popular in progressive cities like San Francisco and Seattle, Hewn’s owners say, but this would be a first for Evanston. Chicago has a few parklets, dubbed People Spots.

Owners Julie Matthei and Ellen King said city officials approached them with the idea of starting the first parklet.

Hewn has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project.

The parklet, which would provide seating for everyone, not just Hewn customers, is a way to create a sense of community in the area, the women say in their Kickstarter video. They hope it leads to more parklets in Evanston.

Hewn is hoping to raise $14,000 for the project. As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign had raised nearly $1,500.

The women’s goal is to have the parklet built by the beginning of July so it can be enjoyed during the warm months. The space will revert to a parking spot during winter.

You can read more about the project on its Kickstarter page.

Do you like the idea of a parklet? Where else would you like to see ones in Evanston?