Nestled in the northwestern reaches of Evanston, the Commons & Bests neighborhood is one of those rare places where the pulse of progress beats side by side with the gentle whispers of history. Residents and visitors quickly sense that this community is more than just a cluster of streets and homes—it is a living story, written by generations who have called these leafy blocks their own.
The Origins of Commons & Bests
Commons & Bests boasts a history that dates back to the late 19th century, a time when Evanston itself was rapidly growing from its early roots as a quiet suburb of Chicago into a thriving city with a spirit all its own. The name “Commons & Bests” is worthy of explanation—one that locals hold dear.
The “Commons” portion refers to the original community green, a tract of land at the heart of the neighborhood, which served as a gathering space for the area’s first families. In the early days, this land—at what is now the corner of Ridge Avenue and Central Street—was the setting for summer picnics, school fairs, and heated debates about local governance under the spreading canopy of old elms.
The “Bests” side of the name has an equally storied origin. The Best family, led by Samuel Best, established one of Evanston’s earliest lumberyards on what is now Bests Way, a small leafy avenue just east of Prairie Avenue. Samuel Best was a civic leader and philanthropist, whose name continues to grace not only the streets but also the local library branch, a centerpiece of community life. Together, these two historic anchors gave the neighborhood its distinctive name and enduring sense of place.
Key Historical Milestones
- In 1891, the Commons green hosted Evanston’s first “Spring Jubilee,” an event that drew residents from across the city and helped launch the annual Centennial Parade tradition.
- The early 1900s saw a surge of building, with Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes lining the streets of Greenwood, Isabella, and Lincolnwood Drive, many of which still stand today.
- In 1924, Bests Lumberyard became the site of the first Evanston Arts Festival, establishing the neighborhood as a creative hub long before art festivals became popular elsewhere in the city.
During World War II, the Commons green was transformed into a Victory Garden, producing fresh vegetables for local families and donating surplus to troops overseas—a testament to the community’s resilience and generosity.
Landmarks That Stand the Test of Time
While Evanston is dotted with notable buildings, Commons & Bests has its own iconic landmarks:
- The Bests Branch Library at 1401 Bests Way remains a beloved institution, hosting everything from children’s storytime to lively town hall meetings. Its red brick façade and arched windows evoke an era when public spaces were built to last.
- Commons Green Park (now officially Commons Heritage Park), though modernized with new playgrounds and walking paths, still features the original flagpole raised at the 1891 Spring Jubilee and a bronze plaque commemorating the site’s long communal heritage.
- The Former Best Family Residence on Greenwood was converted into a local cultural center in 1978, where visitors can admire archival photos and artifacts that chronicle the neighborhood’s development.
Streets, Parks, and Institutions
Residents love to brag about their leafy corridors, particularly:
- Bests Way – Named for the family whose contributions helped shape the community, this winding lane is home to historic houses featuring original leaded-glass windows and lovingly maintained gardens.
- Commons Heritage Park – Once the Commons green, today it offers tennis courts, picnic areas, and space for the annual Fall Festival.
- Prairie Avenue – This main thoroughfare is lined with century-old maples and hosts small businesses such as the Commons Café and Bests Book Nook, both popular with families and students.
- Isabella Avenue – Famous for its stretch of brick-paved sidewalk and the annual “Porch Fest,” where local bands perform from neighbors’ front steps.
The neighborhood is also served by respected institutions such as Commons Elementary School, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary and remains a source of pride for generations of families.
Changing With the Times
While its history is deeply cherished, Commons & Bests has always welcomed progress. In the postwar years, the area became known for its vibrant mix of residents—a blend of longtime Evanstonians, university professors, artists, and young families. This diversity is celebrated each summer at the Commons Heritage Block Party, where tales of the past mingle with modern-day laughter.
In recent decades, the neighborhood has witnessed thoughtful renovations that preserve the charm of original homes while introducing green technology and sustainable landscaping. Community-led initiatives, like the Commons Garden Project, have transformed formerly vacant lots into lush urban gardens. Public murals—created by local artists in collaboration with the Evanston Arts Council—grace utility boxes and alleyways, offering bright bursts of color and storytelling.
What Makes Commons & Bests Special Today
Ask any resident and you’ll hear that Commons & Bests is more than an address—it’s a way of life. There’s a sense of stewardship here, an understanding that each generation leaves its mark while honoring those who came before. Whether it’s children splashing in the fountains at Commons Heritage Park, neighbors swapping recipes at the Bests Block Potluck, or elders recalling the sound of bandstands from jubilees past, every corner seems to echo with stories waiting to be told.
What ties it all together is the neighborhood's ability to hold onto its roots while embracing change—a rare and treasured quality in today’s fast-moving world. For those fortunate enough to call Commons & Bests home, the legacy of community, culture, and care is a daily reality, making this historic neighborhood one of Evanston’s true gems.