Northwestern University v. City of Evanston

Plaintiff, Northwestern University (University), brought a complaint for declaratory judgment against defendant, City of Evanston (City), in which the University sought a declaration that section VII.B.U2(a) of the Evanston zoning ordinance is unconstitutional on its face and as applied by the City to prevent the University’s use of its property for professional athletic events or other commercial purposes. The trial court granted the City’s motion to dismiss the cause for failure to exhaust local and administrative remedies.

The University appeals, contending: (1) the University has fully…