Northwestern Evicts Evanston Historical Society
Northwestern has asked the Evanston Historical Society to vacate the Dawes Mansion, the residence of the historical society since 1960. Citing concerns that Northwestern was not able to support a public museum in the home of former US Vice President Charles Dawes, Northwestern closed the massive Victorian structure to the public May 1.
Building engineers are claiming that $4 Million would be required to bring the mansion up to current codes for publicly accessible buildings, leading university spokesman Eugene Sunshine to dismiss the upgrades, stating Northwestern has “other priorities” than supporting a historic education center.
Per the Evnaston RoundTable, the Evanston Historic Society was offered the building by General Dawes in 1939, but rejected the offer as the society did not have funds for upkeep of the grounds and buildling. Subsequently, Northwestern was deeded the property, which was then leased for a nominal fee the the Historic Society for 48 ... Read More...
