Further details have been revealed for the redevelopment of Preston Bradley Center at 941 W Lawrence Avenue in Uptown. Located just west of the intersection with N Sheridan Road, the venue sits two blocks east of the Aragon near the heart of the Uptown entertainment district. The project is being led by its new owners Daniel and Karla Ivankovich who purchased the site last year, and the architect is unknown.
Image of Preston Bradley Center By Eric A Rogers via Chicago Architecture Center
The center dates back to 1925 when it was built by Reverend Preston Bradley for the Peoples Church of Chicago’s growing congregation. The J.E.O Pridmore-designed structure opened a year later with a large central auditorium that holds 1,200 people across three levels with superb acoustics. After years of dwindling attendance number and financial hardships, the building was finally sold last year for $2 million to be redeveloped.
Image of Preston Bradley Center By Eric A Rogers via Chicago Architecture Center
Now the doctor and philanthropist couple are moving forward with further repairs and changes to transform the center into a venue and community center. At its core will be a renovated auditorium for concerts and a new office for their non-profit OnePatient Global Health, which focuses on providing healthcare regardless of ability to pay. Additionally a music studio will be added as well as existing church offices and artist studios will remain.
Image of Preston Bradley Center By Eric A Rogers via Chicago Architecture Center
Currently the couple has spent over $600,000 on its restoration but extensive repairs are still needed according to Block Club. The building itself is both a city and national landmark, which creates stricter rules for the work, but the project has the support of local neighbors and organizations. A completion date for the project has not been announced, but it would add capacity to the area which is also expected to see the opening of Double Door.
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Finally! And, it will be put to good use. Cheers and good luck to the new owners. Well done. Thanks for saving a gem for the community as well as serving the residents.
Wonderful – thanks for the update on this important building.