Evanston Proposed New Howard Street Police Outpost
City officials have allocated $100,000 in the 2027 capital budget for a new police outpost on Howard Street.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Evanston city officials have included a $100,000 construction budget in their 2027 capital improvement plan to establish a new police outpost on Howard Street. The project aims to address safety concerns near the Howard L station viaduct by facilitating joint operations.
Why it matters
This initiative seeks to bolster local safety through a dedicated base of operations that supports the Evanston Police Department, the CARE team, and collaborative efforts with Chicago and CTA police. Officials hope to address recurring public safety issues in the vicinity of the Howard L station viaduct.
The city has earmarked a $100,000 line item in the 2027 capital improvement plan for the project. While a site at 311 Howard Street was rejected due to ADA accessibility issues, officials are actively evaluating new, larger storefront locations.
The players
Evanston Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for maintaining public safety throughout the city of Evanston.
CARE team
This specialized team works alongside municipal agencies to provide community-focused support and intervention services.
The details
The city previously operated outposts at 745 Howard Street and 633 Howard Street before closing the operations in 2017. Since then, the buildings have hosted other businesses, including Cafe Coralie from 2017 to 2019 and the restaurant Estacion in 2023.
Timeline
The previous police outpost was closed in 2017.
Cafe Coralie operated in the former building from 2017 to 2019.
Restaurant Estacion operated at the site in 2023.
The proposed funding is part of the 2027 capital improvement plan.
Legal Context
The city's planning process is currently constrained by strict adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. This reflects a broader trend of municipalities modernizing or replacing aging infrastructure to meet contemporary legal and civil requirements.
Residents living near the Howard L station may see increased police presence and improved coordination between local and regional agencies once the site is established. The project aims to enhance safety in the area, though the specific location and construction timeline remain under review by the city.
The takeaway
City officials are currently focused on finding a viable space that meets all regulatory standards for the new outpost. Residents should monitor future budget meetings for updates on the site selection and construction schedule.
Further reading
For more details on municipal safety initiatives, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston Now.
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