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Plan of Evanston
block between Commercial Park and· Fountain Square. Only one of these buildings is substantial. Commercial Park thus enlarged, would be beautified with a large fountain and pool, and with shrubs, flowerbeds, and paths. Around its entire boundary would be a parking space for automobiles, large enough to hold all of the cars which now encumber Davis Street, thereby giving to Evanston the unique distinction of having solved the problem of parking automobiles in a business district.
In the block containing the City Hall and Post Office are located two alleys, both connecting Sherman with Benson A venues. We propose acquiring the land between these alleys' and removing all the buildings which are for the most part of little value. The space thus acquired would be transformed into a park or public Mall, the center free from trees, but beautified by flowers and statuary. On either side of this Mall would be walks lined with trees to connect Benson and Sherman Avenues. The rear of buildings now fronting on Davis Street would then face on the Mall. These buildings should be beautified architecturally to harmonize with their surroundings. The shops would thus have double frontages, and their desirability correspondingly enhanced from a renting standpoint. Lake Forest has recently built opposite the Railway station, a square surrounded by buildings built in a distinctive style of architecture. This is a somewhat similar enterprise to ours, and theirs has already proved a financial success, as well as a notable artistic and civic achievement. It has added greatly to the desirability of Lake Forest, both for business and residence, and added immensely to real estate values. See illustration page 39.
Railroad Park would be rescued from its present isolation, and standing as it does at the west end would become the head or terminus of the Mall by simply opening up the embankment under the elevated structure and replacing the present eastern wall with a monumental and ornamental steel bridge of three spans. With this arrangement Railroad
