Zoning Change Needed to Turn Historic Mansion into Co-Working Space
An Evanston couple that specializes in co-working spaces want to reposition a historic lakefront mansion into shared offices. Stelios and Angela Valavanis, owners of Creative Coworking, want to adapt Colvin House at 5940 N Sheridan Rd into a shared office space, but the building needs a zoning change in order for that to happen.
Colvin House was built in 1909 by George Maher, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, and is one of the few existing lakefront mansions on Chicago's north side. It was declared a city landmark in 1994 and was listed for sale in April for $1.2M.
Angela says the zoning change is holding up the sale, DNAInfo reports. Colvin House's landmark status prevents any changes to the building's exterior. Angela Valavanis says she and her husband would preserve most of the interior design elements. They have a supporter in Ald. Harry Osterman, who will propose an ordinance to City Council in favor of the zoning change. [DNA]
