JLL Begins Leasing at the Varsity Theater in Evanston

JLL announced today that it is conducting its initial leasing at the Varsity Theater and Bookman’s Alley in Evanston, Illinois.

Guzman y Gomez will open a location at the Varsity Theater at 1710 Sherman Avenue. Steve Schwartz, JLL Senior Vice President, represented The Varsity, LLC, and Jason Trombley, JLL Senior Vice President, represented Guzman y Gomez in the transaction.

The project is the culmination of the City of Evanston establishing an easement to allow the adaptive reuse to come to fruition. Steven Rogin, owner of the former Varsity Theater, along with his partners, Campbell Coyle, DMA and BVI LLC, have led the redevelopment of the theater and adjacent Bookman’s Alley bookstore.

The adaptive reuse transforms the theater into a 33-unit multi-family apartment building with nearly 8,500 square feet of ground-floor retail. The project will also redevelop Bookman’s Alley, featuring lighting, public art and outdoor seating added to support street-level commercial.

“Varsity Theater and Bookman’s Alley, a one-of-a-kind historic property and beloved community space in Evanston, presents a unique opportunity for retail businesses in the food, entertainment and retail sectors to provide an unmatched experience serving Evanston and the surrounding communities,” Schwartz added.