Land Use Commission recommends 45-seat jazz venue at 1716 Sherman to City Council
February 12, 2026 | Evanston, Cook County, Illinois
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The Evanston Land Use Commission voted 7–0 on Feb. 11 to recommend that City Council approve a special-use permit for a performance entertainment venue at 1716 Sherman Avenue, a proposed intimate jazz club operated by Night Owl Productions LLC.
Kurt Schauer, the applicant, told commissioners the venue is designed as an intentionally small, seated space that “supports local and regional musicians” and would cap seating “at approximately 45 guests at any one time” to limit noise, crowding and parking impacts. Schauer said the space is roughly 800 square feet and that live jazz would be largely acoustic or lightly amplified. “There will be no DJ programming, no bass heavy music and no high decibel performances,” he said, and added that doors and windows would remain closed during performances and that the space would be treated as needed “to capture any sound leakage.”
Schauer described a two-set nightly model (for example, roughly 7:30–9 p.m. and 9:30–11 p.m.) with ambient music at other times. He said the operation would rely primarily on cover charges rather than advance ticketing at launch and planned to operate primarily as a 21-and-over venue while exploring occasional all-ages events such as school jazz-band performances.
Commissioners pressed on hours, storefront activation and signage. Schauer said wayfinding would direct patrons through an alley entrance, aided by low-key awnings, modest window graphics and a doorman to reduce loitering, and that the design seeks a low-profile presence on the street while creating an interior “intimate” performance experience.
Staff told the commission the use is allowed as a special use in the D2 district and outlined standard conditions in the packet (for example, ensuring compliance with building and liquor licensing processes). After a short deliberation, Commissioner Berlin moved to recommend approval “with the conditions that are listed in the packet,” a motion seconded by another commissioner and adopted by a 7–0 roll call vote.
The commission closed the public hearing and advised the applicant to work with staff on next steps; City Council will be the determining body for the application.
Kurt Schauer, the applicant, told commissioners the venue is designed as an intentionally small, seated space that “supports local and regional musicians” and would cap seating “at approximately 45 guests at any one time” to limit noise, crowding and parking impacts. Schauer said the space is roughly 800 square feet and that live jazz would be largely acoustic or lightly amplified. “There will be no DJ programming, no bass heavy music and no high decibel performances,” he said, and added that doors and windows would remain closed during performances and that the space would be treated as needed “to capture any sound leakage.”
Schauer described a two-set nightly model (for example, roughly 7:30–9 p.m. and 9:30–11 p.m.) with ambient music at other times. He said the operation would rely primarily on cover charges rather than advance ticketing at launch and planned to operate primarily as a 21-and-over venue while exploring occasional all-ages events such as school jazz-band performances.
Commissioners pressed on hours, storefront activation and signage. Schauer said wayfinding would direct patrons through an alley entrance, aided by low-key awnings, modest window graphics and a doorman to reduce loitering, and that the design seeks a low-profile presence on the street while creating an interior “intimate” performance experience.
Staff told the commission the use is allowed as a special use in the D2 district and outlined standard conditions in the packet (for example, ensuring compliance with building and liquor licensing processes). After a short deliberation, Commissioner Berlin moved to recommend approval “with the conditions that are listed in the packet,” a motion seconded by another commissioner and adopted by a 7–0 roll call vote.
The commission closed the public hearing and advised the applicant to work with staff on next steps; City Council will be the determining body for the application.
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