Sign in

Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz

@amartinez99.bsky.social
186 followers 261 following 94 posts

Reporter for EvanstonNow.com // send tips, questions, etc to adrian@evanstonnow.com or 224-307-6253.

PostsRepliesMedia
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
NEW: City says in a statement this morning the proposed data center currently doesn’t appear to be a permitted use under the zoning code. Staff says it believes a text amendment to the code would be needed before use could be established.
000
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Meanwhile, the Environment Board tonight asked for City Council to look into a data center moratorium.
021
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Full story on Land Use recommending the 900 Clark apartment tower last night: evanstonnow.com/luc-oks-900-...
evanstonnow.com
LUC OKs 900 Clark tower - Evanston Now
Building would add 360 apartment units to city's housing stock.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
NEW: After a nearly three hour meeting, Evanston’s Land Use Commission voted tonight to recommend the proposed 26-story, 360-unit high-rise tower at 900 Clark. Project now moves on to City Council.
2111
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
UPDATE: I spoke with a witness to this incident who tells me the man involved was walking to a pharmacy and says he was in the hospital the day before He tells me the man had an abrasion on his right temple, his right eye appeared swollen and he had blood on his shirt as ICE left the scene More 👇
evanstonnow.com
Victim in ICE stop was walking to pharmacy, witness says - Evanston Now
Agents drove off, leaving the man bloodied on the pavement.
510064
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
BREAKING: Evanston police confirm a U.S. citizen was briefly detained by federal agents Sunday morning near Howard and Dodge before being released The man was taken to the hospital for injuries to his head, neck and teeth after agents drove off
evanstonnow.com
Federal agents detained U.S. citizen Sunday morning - Evanston Now
Police chief says officers responded to a man with injuries to head, neck and teeth on Howard and made contact with agents involved.
39466453500
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Evanston's Preservation Commission voted last night to continue a hearing on designating the Chase Bank on Central St. as a local landmark until Nov. 18 in order to give Chase more time to respond to the request. evanstonnow.com/bank-landmar...
evanstonnow.com
Bank landmarking vote postponed - Evanston Now
Chase asks more time to prepare response.
100
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
dlvr.it
Reports: Albion to sell for $126M
The Albion, a 268-unit apartment building at 1500 Sherman Ave. in Evanston, is reportedly under contract to be sold for $126 million, in what would be among the largest suburban Chicago residential sales ever and the largest in Evanston since last year. The Real Deal and Crain’s Chicago Business both reported the pending sale of the building from Albion Residential, the Oak Brook-based developer, to Chicago-based Draper & Kramer, Inc.
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
dlvr.it
New cafe proposed on Chicago at Main
A new fast casual cafe is being proposed on the Main Dempster Mile in Evanston. Evanston resident Sarrah Lacap, along with her daughter Christine Fabian, are looking to open B.U. Panini and Toast at 900 Chicago Ave., where a Subway was previously located.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Florida-based Talkin Tacos is looking to open in the former Guzman y Gomez spot on Sherman Avenue. The restaurant would be the chain's first Illinois location. evanstonnow.com/one-mexican-...
evanstonnow.com
One Mexican chain to replace another - Evanston Now
Florida-based Talkin Tacos hopes to open in former Guzman y Gomez spot by year end.
000
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
dlvr.it
LUC backs subdividing high rise property
Chicago Avenue site includes the Park Evanston apartments and Whole Foods.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Over a dozen residents delayed a vote on the proposed 900 Clark tower Wednesday over concerns about the high-rise's impact on their properties and worries that the building will mainly attract NU students. The plans will be back at Land Use on Sept. 23 evanstonnow.com/900-clark-vo...
evanstonnow.com
900 Clark vote delayed for two weeks - Evanston Now
Over a dozen residents requested a continuance of the Land Use hearing.
011
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Consideration of the 900 Clark project delayed by two weeks after over a dozen residents requested a continuance of the Land Use public hearing.
112
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Evanston’s Land Use Commission will consider the proposed N Family daycare plans on Sept. 23.
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
An Evanston man wants the city to issue a local historic landmark designation for a bank building to prevent Chase from tearing it down and building a new one with a “cookie cutter design” More from @amartinez99.bsky.social evanstonnow.com/chase-bank-o...
evanstonnow.com
Chase Bank on Central proposed for landmarking - Evanston Now
The Preservation Commission will consider the nomination later this month.
041
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
NEW: Alpha School, which operates a network of AI-based private schools, is looking to open an Evanston location in the recently closed Roycemore School building on Davis Street. evanstonnow.com/ai-based-pri...
evanstonnow.com
AI-based private school eyes Roycemore site - Evanston Now
Alpha School seeks to take over the recently closed school building.
020
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
dlvr.it
Stars: ‘Goal’ is Ryan Field
Team says it plans to restart city approval process once new stadium is open.
021
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Breaking — A source confirms that a man was found dead in the water just south of Lee Street Beach in southeast Evanston Friday morning More information to come
121
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
NEW: The Chicago Stars will stay at NU’s Martin Stadium in 2027, the team announced today They were looking to play at the new Ryan Field next season, but pulled its bid following neighborhood opposition evanstonnow.com/stars-to-pla...
evanstonnow.com
Stars to play 2027 season at Martin Stadium - Evanston Now
The team will play 15 home games at the lakefront venue.
121
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
dlvr.it
Youth sports facility advances at Council
And alders balk at an IHO deal on Central.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Evanston's City Council voted 8-1 last night to select Code Studio to lead the city's zoning rewrite. The consulting firm is offering to do the work for $911,480, with alders making numerous asks as the city will now work to finalize a contract for the project. evanstonnow.com/alders-choos...
evanstonnow.com
Alders choose zoning consultant - Evanston Now
City Council picks Code Studio to lead zoning rewrite.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
UK-based N Family Club is seeking to open a daycare in Evanston's 3rd Ward, as part of its expansion into the U.S. The company plans to open 80 U.S. locations by 2032. evanstonnow.com/uk-based-day...
evanstonnow.com
UK-based daycare firm eyes Evanston - Evanston Now
Seeks Chicago Avenue site in planned U.S. expansion.
062
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
dlvr.it
LUC backs youth sports facility plan
Evanston’s Land Use Commission voted Wednesday night to recommend City Council approve plans for an indoor youth sports facility on Green Bay Road. The privately-funded 57,000 square-foot, two-story complex, proposed by the Ishbia Family Foundation, would be at 2722 Green Bay Road, where Office Deport was previously located.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Connections for the Homeless broke ground yesterday on a $6.7 million renovation project for Hilda's Place, its congregate shelter located in Evanston's Lake Street Church. Several speakers praised the church site for embracing the "YIGBY" spirit. evanstonnow.com/ground-broke...
evanstonnow.com
Ground broken for Hilda's Place renovations - Evanston Now
Church site praised for "YIGBY" -- Yes in God's Backyard -- spirit.
032
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
dlvr.it
Big changes in store for Connections
Connections for the Homeless is planning for some big changes in the near future. The Evanston nonprofit organization is looking to start two major renovations projects this year, and launch a rebrand starting next year.
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
dlvr.it
Over 1,800 still lack power with storm recovery underway
Around 1,840 Evanston households are still without power as of 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, according to ComEd, as the city recovers from heavy rain and strong winds that knocked down power lines and trees on Monday. That figure has dropped from around 6,000 reported by City Manager Luke Stowe Monday evening. ComEd has said it anticipates 80% of customers to have service restored by noon Wednesday, and nearly all service restored by 10 p.m. Friday.
012
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss submitted a notarized letter of resignation last week, reaffirming a binding date of resignation effective just before midnight on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 A special election to fill his seat will occur in early 2027 as he runs for Congress on Nov. 3
July 21, 2026 

I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the office of mayor, effective 11:59pm, Sunday, October 18, 2026. I am resigning at that date and time to ensure that irrespective of the outcome of the November election, Evanston will have a 2027 special election to determine who will serve out the final two years of the term that I was elected to in 2025. It has been an honor to serve as Evanston's mayor, working alongside you and the 81st and 82st City Councils to implement reparations, reform public safety, take bold climate action, address Evanston's housing challenges, and more. Evanston will continue to navigate very challenging waters, as the Trump administration assaults our values, the safety of our families, and our municipal revenues. Whether as a member of Congress or a private citizen, I look forward to continuing to partner with you and our City government on behalf of all Evanston residents. Thank you again for your collaboration and friendship. 

Daniel Biss
Mayor, City of Evanston
074
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Colectivo Coffee plans to open a second Evanston location by early next year, the Milwaukee-based chain announced this morning. The new shop will be on the former Lincolnwood Service Station site, an Evanston landmark. evanstonnow.com/colectivo-co...
evanstonnow.com
Colectivo Coffee to open second Evanston shop - Evanston Now
New location planned for one-time gas station on Central Street.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
NEW: City staff is recommending Evanston's City Council pick Code Studio to rewrite the city's zoning code. While it's the more expensive bid, the city was able to negotiate the cost from $1.09 million to $911,480. Alders will consider the recommendation Monday: evanstonnow.com/city-staff-r...
evanstonnow.com
City staff recommends pricier bid for zoning rewrite - Evanston Now
But slices about 16% from vendor's original cost estimate.
151
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The City of Evanston released proposals of the two firms seeking to lead the city’s zoning rewrite. One wants nearly three times more than the other. The City Council will review both proposals next Monday. Breakdown from @mattheweadie.bsky.social on both bids. evanstonnow.com/two-rezoning...
evanstonnow.com
Two rezoning consultant candidates named - Evanston Now
One wants almost three-times as much as the other for the code rewrite project.
022
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Despite announcing last month that the school would remain open, Roycemore officials reversed course this morning, telling families that the school would suspend operations this upcoming academic year, citing unexpected enrollment declines. evanstonnow.com/roycemore-wo...
evanstonnow.com
Roycemore won't open for 2026-27 school year - Evanston Now
"Heartbreaking" decision says board faced with enrollment declines.
011
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
dlvr.it
Main Street building demo underway
Over a year after the property was condemned and ordered vacated by the city, demolition of the dilapidated storefront building at 801-809 Main St. began this week. Crews were working Tuesday to demolish the building, which previously contained the Bib’n’Tucker laundromat and two other businesses. Bricks from the property will be salvaged and recycled, according to Jake Fowler of Fowler Services, Inc.
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A five-story, 30-unit apartment building gained approval Monday night from the Evanston City Council, despite opposition from neighboring Ebenezer AME, which raised concerns about the building's impact on the historic Black church evanstonnow.com/council-appr...
evanstonnow.com
Council approves Emerson mid-rise - Evanston Now
"Our community needs this," Ald. Burns said.
032
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
If I had a nickel for every time I was up for a historical news event that broke very early on a Sunday morning this year, I’d have two nickels, which isn’t many but crazy it’s happened twice. I’ll still shock…
020
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has officially become law, despite President Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan bill. Here’s how the federal housing bill could impact Evanston. evanstonnow.com/what-federal...
evanstonnow.com
What federal housing reforms could mean for Evanston - Evanston Now
It just may help produce more housing here.
020
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
dlvr.it
LUC opens path for unique but short term uses
Evanston’s Land Use Commission Wednesday recommended that City Council set a 30 day limit for temporary uses not specifically listed in the zoning code. The dozen types of temporary uses already enumerated in the zoning code would continue to have their own time limits.
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
dlvr.it
Main St. building demo to start next week, alder says
Demolition of 801 Main St. will begin next Monday, July 13, Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) told residents Tuesday night. The demolition will set the stage for a planned development process already underway, in which the city plans to sell the lot to developers planning transit-oriented housing on the site.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
A scaled-down townhome development proposed on Central St. is back in front of Evanston's Land Use Commission tomorrow night. The panel rejected a previous 11-unit version of the project in March. evanstonnow.com/luc-gets-rev...
evanstonnow.com
LUC gets revised Central townhomes plan - Evanston Now
The commission rejected a previous version of the project in March.
000
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Public workshops to gather feedback on the vacant lot at Emerson & Jackson are set to occur in the next few weeks. Evanston is working with two firms to lead this "site-visioning" process. evanstonnow.com/emerson-jack...
evanstonnow.com
Emerson-Jackson planning about to begin - Evanston Now
City working with two firms to lead public workshops in the coming weeks.
064
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
As we (hopefully) exit this heat wave, Evanston Ald. Bobby Burns (5th) wants the city to explore establishing maximum indoor housing requirements in Evanston rental units, modeled after similar ordinances in LA, Phoenix and Tucson From @amartinez99.bsky.social:
evanstonnow.com
Burns seeks cooling requirements for rental housing - Evanston Now
The requirements could establish maximum indoor temperatures standards for rental units.
193
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
NEW: The Cradle has sold its longtime headquarters at Ridge and Simpson to a Wilmette-based architect for $3 million. The 103-year-old adoption agency is now leasing the building as it prepares to move elsewhere in Evanston, likely in early 2027. evanstonnow.com/the-cradle-s...
evanstonnow.com
The Cradle sells Evanston HQ building - Evanston Now
Eyes early 2027 move as it seeks a smaller new location
010
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
BREAKING – Evanston Mayor @danielbiss.bsky.social says he plans on resigning from office on Oct. 18, the final day required by state law to trigger a special election in 2027 to select the city's next mayor He's heavily favored to win November's IL-09 election after his March 17 primary win
181
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
BREAKING: The U.S. DOJ is intervening in a federal civil rights lawsuit challenging the City of Evanston’s historic reparations program, likely setting up an intense legal battle between Evanston and the Trump administration
1217463
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Evanston Now @evanstonnow.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
dlvr.it
Roycemore makes last-ditch fundraising push
Roycemore School will hold a fundraiser Saturday afternoon as its leaders face what they say is a deadline next Wednesday to raise more funds — or “begin the process of closing our doors.” “We are rapidly running out of time to save this 111-year-old institution” reads an email from the board of trustees sent to school supporters on Thursday, inviting them to attend the 3 p.m. event in the school at 1200 Davis St. or online.
012
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The former condos-turned-apartments at 2730 Hampton Parkway has received dozens of citations for violating Evanston's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Its owners say they're in compliance, however the city is disputing this. evanstonnow.com/hampton-park...
evanstonnow.com
Hampton Parkway apartments cited for violating city's IHO - Evanston Now
The property's owners say they're in compliance with affordability rules. The city says they're not
001
Reposted by Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Pritzker's BUILD plan will have to wait at least a few more months, with lawmakers stalling on Sunday to pass the sprawling housing plan From @amartinez99.bsky.social
evanstonnow.com
Lawmakers punt on housing - Evanston Now
Housing advocates optimistic bills can be passed later this year.
012
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
As the penultimate day of the spring legislative session begins, a look at some of the housing bills still pending. With the state budget and Bears “megaprojects” bill still left, it’s growing more likely lawmakers will punt on housing legislation until the fall. evanstonnow.com/clock-is-tic...
evanstonnow.com
Clock is ticking on housing bills - Evanston Now
Illinois lawmakers are set to adjourn on Sunday, making it more likely housing get punted to the fall.
001
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
This time residents are actually wanting less parking, in part, to preserve green space Three Crowns is saying if they don’t get this additional parking, residents better not complain about lack of on-street parking since their staff will be forced to park there.
111
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
A beauty that should have never been taken down😔
020
Adrian Martinez-De La Cruz @amartinez99.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
From @mattheweadie.bsky.social: The Evanston City Council tabled a final vote last night on a proposed 30-unit apartment building on Emerson. The project has faced pushback from a nearby landlord and neighbors, and concerns about how it could impact a historic Black church.
122