Family Focus Evanston Concept Proposal
Since 1905, the Foster School has been a community anchor in Evanston’s Fifth Ward, with Family Focus Evanston as the building’s anchor tenant for decades. UrbanWorks’ community engagement for a new master plan included open house workshops with community members, which informed the ultimate recommendations for the 64,000 square-foot building.
Through a series of strategic insertions and additions, UrbanWorks’ concept proposal would create distinct “neighborhoods” within the Foster School to enable various activities and services. These include updated landscaping, a colorful glass addition on the south side of the structure to mark the new entrance, a two-story-tall gymnasium on the lower level, and a new auditorium on the second floor. These proposed upgrades would enhance Family Focus Evanston’s afterschool programming, summer camp, and other activities for K-8 children.
The UrbanWorks’ plan represents an ambitious vision for Family Focus Evanston and the Foster School that would reposition and renovate the building for a bright future.