Costa Rican Consulate Opened in Evanston

A new diplomatic office has launched at the Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church to serve regional residents.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hispanic

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a stylized brick archway and bird silhouette, representing the new consulate office in Evanston. — A new Costa Rican consulate has opened at the Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston to better serve local residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston recently hosted a celebration marking the official opening of the Costa Rican Consulate. The diplomatic office relocated to the church building this summer to restore services previously lost after the Chicago office closed.

Why it matters

The new consulate office in Evanston eliminates the need for a seven-hour round trip for residents who previously had to travel long distances for assistance. This move aims to restore vital consular support to the local Hispanic community following the closure of the city's former location.

The consulate occupies the second floor of the church and has provided aid to approximately 30 individuals since its summer 2026 opening. This facility replaces the former Chicago location, which shut down four years ago due to rising costs.

The players

Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church

This religious institution serves as the hosting site for the newly established Costa Rican Consulate in Evanston.

Peter Braithwaite

He is the inaugural recipient of the Friend of Costa Rica Award presented during the consulate opening reception.

The Stoic Team

This organization acts as a partner in the collaborative effort to house and support the new consulate office.

Samaritans for the Common Good

This group is a key participant in the partnership established to bring consular services to the local community.

The details

The consulate operates through a partnership involving the Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church, The Stoic Team, and Samaritans for the Common Good. During the September 20, 2026, reception, Peter Braithwaite was honored with the inaugural Friend of Costa Rica Award for his contributions.

The former consulate office in Chicago closed in 2022.
The new consulate began operating in the church building during the summer of 2026.
A formal celebration and reception were held at the church on September 20, 2026.

Roadmap

This consulate opening acknowledges the complex history of the nation, including the 1934 Costa Rican law restricting Black workers, by broadening modern diplomatic accessibility. The establishment of the office represents a significant shift toward inclusive outreach by providing services to all individuals in the region.

Residents seeking consular support can now access services directly in Evanston rather than enduring a seven-hour round trip to distant offices. This change simplifies the process for local families requiring document assistance and other consulate-provided aid.

The takeaway

The return of a local consulate office highlights how community partnerships can successfully bridge gaps in essential government services. Residents should verify service hours with the church office before planning their visit to ensure the consulate is open.