Initial Tax Increment Financing (TIF) approval has been granted for the new location of the TimeLine Theater Company at 5033 N Broadway in Uptown. Located just north of the intersection with W Argyle Street, near the CTA Red Line Argyle station which is undergoing renovation, the new arts center will utilize the bones of an existing five-story building while erecting a new facade. The theater itself is developing its new home which received City Council approval late last year and has been owned by the company since 2018, TimeLine is working with local architecture firm HGA on the design that borrows elements from the current structure.
Rendering of flexible black box theater for TimeLine Theater by HGA
The theater which started in 1997 with only $50 to their name has since grown to become a neighborhood staple with recent original shows like the critically acclaimed ‘Relentless’ moving on to a downtown stage at the Goodman. The multi-phase expansion would allow the company to expose more people to the impactful art produced there; this will be on display within their new flexible multi-configuration 250-seat black box theater that will anchor the renovation of the existing building. It will be accompanied by a large entrance lobby with a cafe and immersive exhibit galleries, along with an upstairs rehearsal space and more.
Section of new performance building for TimeLine Theater by HGA
To the rear, or east end, of the theater, the existing floor will be transformed to new design production, dressing, costuming, green room, and office spaces providing an acoustical buffer. The tracks will also be utilizing the empty land to the rear of the building for a renovation project until 2026, upon completion the second phase will kick off and develop the lot into a second 150-seat theater space and more space to accommodate the theater’s Living History program, which will create an educational space that can also serve as a hall for community meetings and more.
Rendering of lobby cafe for TimeLine Theater by HGA
Future patrons will be able to access the theater via the aforementioned CTA Red Line stop via a three-minute walk, and bus service for CTA Route 36 at the front door. This will allow the project to proceed without building any extra parking although the company hopes to secure 100-vehicle spaces in a garage nearby. If fully approved, it would grant the project $10 million in funds that will be disbursed once construction is completed, allowing them to apply for bridging loans to get them there according to Block Club. TimeLine has also secured $2.5 million in state financing, and although no groundbreaking has been established, an opening date in 2024 is expected.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Welcome addition to that neighborhood. Disappointed the theatre will completely remove the vintage facade. The original pitch to the community was the theatre would reuse a historical building. Seems unlikely they didn’t know the exterior was beyond repair until after the deal was done.
Hopefully Uptown Theater gets rolling after years of false promises. The Double Door opening back up should be a success as well. Uptown could become the pride of the north side. There’s a lot of construction going on and if the momentum keeps up it could blossom into a world class neighborhood. It has a lot of diversity and entertainment options going for it. The city should be marketing it heavily to drive more investment there.