Central Street Development to Offer 1-Year Train, Bike Passes for Residents

EVANSTON, IL - Residents of a new transit-oriented development in Evanston will be rewarded with a fitting gift.

Owners and managers of the 1620 Central building set to open at that address this year will provide a complimentary one-year pass for either Metra or CTA in addition to a one-year pass to rent Divvy bicycles for those moving in.

“The transit-oriented location really drove the owners’ decision to offer this unique benefit to residents. Metra and Divvy are the preferred modes of transportation for many area residents, so it’s a wonderful and much needed tool that will give 1620 Central an edge over other properties in this part of Evanston,” said Diana Pittro, executive vice president at RMK Management Corp., the company overseeing leasing and property management at 1620 Central. “The combination of a highly walkable location and easy access to public transportation has multi-generational appeal and will continue to increase in popularity in the coming years.”

1620 Central is the latest transit-oriented development to announce an opening in Evanston, a city that has taken the concept to another level. The city was highlighted by Politico magazine last year for its walkability, transit options and even dubbed the Chicago suburb the place that "killed the car."

The new RMK-managed residence will open less than two blocks from the Central Street CTA Purple Line station and on a commercial block that includes booming new businesses, highly rated restaurants and a University atmosphere with both of Northwestern's major sports venues located within walking distance.

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There's also a Divvy bike-share station two blocks from the 1620 development, which will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with private outdoor space, according to a news release.

There will be 47 units.

"Residences will measure 601 to 1,297 square feet and include luxury finishes such as 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, a key fob entry system, luxury plank flooring, modern cabinets and high-end plumbing fixtures."

Photo: RMK Management Corp.