University provides updates, seeks community input on plans for Arts Block

UChicago News

UChicago representatives presented updated plans for the Arts Block in Washington Park at an April 19 meeting and asked community residents for input on arts programming and the next phase of proposed development.The community meeting was hosted by 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church, 5141 S. State St.

In June 2016, the University announced plans to develop a major arts and culture corridor along East Garfield Boulevard from South Prairie Avenue to South Martin Luther King Drive, building upon the success of the University’s community-focused Arts Incubator and Place Lab, and additional enterprises along the block, including the Currency Exchange Café and BING Reading Room. The announcement included plans, dependent on philanthropic support, for a new arts center and public green space with a pavilion.

In the update, UChicago officials said the next step in development will be building the Green Line Arts Center in a phased approach, beginning with the renovation of 6,600 square feet of vacant storefronts located at 323-329 E. Garfield Blvd., east of the CTA Green Line. The Green Line Arts Center will include a black box theater, rehearsal space, green room, dressing room and lobby for gathering and exhibition. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in late summer 2017.

The University also plans to transform a vacant lot west of South Martin Luther King Drive into the Arts Block Lawn, a public green space and pavilion that will be a venue for community residents to convene and enjoy free performances, workshops and other activities. The University is seeking to purchase the vacant lot, consisting of four parcels of land, from the city of Chicago.

“The new cultural amenities on the Arts Block will magnify the artistic, cultural and economic impact of the Washington Park neighborhood and greater South Side,” said Theaster Gates, professor of visual arts and the director of ...

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