Continuum Development today announced it has acquired Church Street Plaza, a 144,833-square-foot retail complex in Evanston, Ill., for $31.2 million. Located at 900-950 N. Church St., the property spans a full city block — the largest retail footprint in the downtown area — with immediate access to CTA and Metra rail lines and approximately a half-mile from Northwestern University.

Originally built in 2000 and redeveloped in 2023, the property is 98% occupied, with tenants including a 12-screen AMC movie theater, Sky Zone indoor entertainment park, and other national and local stores and restaurants. Earlier this year, Continuum proposed the addition of a 27-story, 358-unit residential tower with 2,900 square feet of ground-level retail on the northwest corner of the property at Church and Clark streets.

“Our investment in Church Street Plaza reflects our confidence in downtown Evanston’s long-term growth and vitality,” said Evan Meador, co-founder and managing member of Continuum Development. “With our acquisition of the property and proposed mixed-use tower at 900 Clark Street, we’re committed to maximizing this site’s potential in a way that aligns with the city’s inclusionary housing plan and sustainability initiatives. We’re excited for the property’s next chapter and further expanding our roots in Evanston.

“While our proposal for 900 Clark Street was not contingent on purchasing Church Street Plaza, this was a compelling opportunity to acquire a high-quality asset in a high-barrier-to-entry location,” added Meador. “Having full ownership of the property strengthens our ties with the broader Evanston community, ensuring this corner of downtown remains a destination for local residents and visitors alike.”

In a prior role with Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group, Meador participated in the development of over 1,100 apartments in Chicago’s West Loop and surrounding suburbs, including Evanston, where the firm built Maeve on Ridge, a luxury rental building at 1555 Ridge Ave.

About Continuum Development:

The real estate development arm of Chicago-based alternative investment firm Continuum Capital, Continuum Development grew out of Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group (MAREG), where Evan Meador, co-founder and managing member of Continuum, was an active participant in the development and ongoing asset management of over 1,100 new-construction multifamily units in Chicago’s West Loop and surrounding suburbs.

Continuum Development has acquired Church Street Plaza, a 144,833-square-foot retail complex in Evanston, Ill., for $31.2 million. (Credit: JLL)