Friends of Harley Clarke

11/14/2025

Seven years ago this month, we celebrated our incredible, citizen-led victory to save the Harley Clarke Mansion & Jens Jensen Gardens from demolition through a historic referendum!

That morning, we awoke to the powerful news that 81% of Evanston's voters said YES to saving Harley Clarke. It was a monumental effort—a true testament to the power of our community and a clear demonstration of how deeply this architectural treasure is cherished. We saved a vital piece of history, and today, we celebrate that enduring commitment to preservation. All thanks to YOU!

An Exciting Future for the Mansion
While we celebrate this past success, we're even more thrilled about the future.
Today, we have an incredible partner, Celadon, investing an estimated $29 million into the adaptive reuse, preservation, and historic restoration of the buildings and grounds, with the mansion set to reopen in 2027 — one hundred years after it was built.

We recently met with their representatives and were incredibly impressed and heartened by their vision. They have shown a remarkable commitment to preservation, deep respect for the historic nature of the mansion, and a genuine interest and investment in being a positive part of the community. This partnership represents a significant step toward a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire property.

In August and September, visitors enjoyed a community Fish Boil (see photos) and treats from the C&W Ice Cream truck. And, plans are in the works for exciting winter fun at the Harley Clarke Mansion.

Stay Connected and Informed!
Thank you once again for your passion, your votes, and your unwavering support. Follow us on here or Instagram, and watch for updates soon (and to) www.friendsofharleyclarke.org.

Here's to many more years of celebrating the Harley Clarke Mansion win and, soon, celebrating at the Harley Clarke Mansion itself!

09/23/2025

Thanks to Scott Henry and Celedon for a truly wonderful community event—beautifully done and full of flair (including four kinds of Harley Clarke microbrews!)—that set the stage for what will surely become one of Evanston’s crown jewels.

It is fantastic that a $29 million investment—supported in large part by historic tax credits—will restore this landmark and transform it into an extraordinary destination: a premier event venue (likely one of the most sought-after in the North Shore/Chicago area), a restaurant, a charming C&W ice cream parlor, a basement speakeasy, and community access four to five days a week. On top of that, $3 million is dedicated to revitalizing the Jens Jensen Gardens.

The impact will ripple well beyond the building itself. Visitors will be drawn to Evanston, supporting our hotels, restaurants, and shops, while generating new tax revenue for the city.

Friends of Harley Clarke is thrilled to see this new chapter in the life of such a beautiful building and can’t wait for the community events, the buzz, and the energy it will bring.

01/25/2024

Evanston’s nearly century-old, currently unused Harley Clarke Mansion could become anything from a wedding venue to a wellness center, and Monday night City Council decided to push for a more decisive search to find a long-term use for the English Tudor property. The mansion, located at 2603 Sheri...

03/13/2021

Read more about Audrey Niffenegger’s history with the Harley Clarke property and her plans for the future with Bookhouse.

Council’s selection of Artists House concept opens up possibility of book arts center coming to the Chicago area Book arts centers, places which focus on

03/10/2021

Harley Clarke Proposal Endorsed by City Council - https://mailchi.mp/friendsofharleyclarke/big-news-harley-clarke-plan-endorsed-by-city-council

03/09/2021

The day is finally here!!

At long last, after years of uncertainty, almost certain demolition, years of blood, sweat, tears, and very, very, very hard work by so many -- there is a secure future and exciting use for the Harley Clarke Mansion in Evanston!

Last night the Evanston City Council voted to enter into lease negotiations with the Artists Book House for a long-term lease of the mansion! The Artists’ Book House, spearheaded by renowned author Audrey Niffenegger, will include a library, bookshop, arts studio, and cafe.

The City reviewed four incredible proposals, including the Evanston Community Lakehouse & Gardens, Evanston Conservancy Benefit Corporation in conjunction with , and One Community Museum, in addition to the Artists Book House. Please take a moment and peruse their hard work. Links to plans in the Patch article.

The amount of work dedicated to developing these proposals is in the thousands of hours. Time and effort spent for nothing other than wanting to keep something beautiful and build something extraordinary for our city. Each of these groups has members who also tirelessly and relentlessly worked toward saving the building from demolition. A labor of love, often thankless, for years.

We cannot thank these groups enough for work and proposals, these individuals and every single person who worked or cared over the last seven years.

We encourage everyone to support the Artists’ Book House and Audrey Niffenegger, whose bold and creative plan and fundraising goals need all of our backing. We are heartened by Audrey’s commitment to Harley Clarke and also her understanding that Evanstonians want the house to be a truly public place, welcoming to the community.

Friends of Harley Clarke, a 501c3 dedicated to preserving and protecting the mansion, looks forward to working with the Artists Book House and Audrey.
https://patch.com/illinois/evanston/4-harley-clarke-renovation-proposals-come-city-council

Congratulations and great work all! We are proud to be among you in getting to this day.

The City Council favored the plan submitted by "Time Traveler's Wife" author Audrey Niffenegger.