Partial funding has been announced for the relaunch of HotHouse at 3947 S Michigan Avenue in Bronzeville. Located just north of the intersection with E 40th Street near the CTA Green Line Indiana stop, the project will redevelop the former home of the Elliot Donelley Youth Center. The project is being led by the famed club itself with Evanston-based DMAC Architecture & Interiors working on its design.
Site context map of 3947 S Michigan Avenue via Google Maps
HotHouse was originally started in Wicker Park in 1987 as The Center for International Performance and Exhibition, before moving to the South Loop at 31 E Balbo Avenue in 1995 with the help of the MacArthur Foundation. Featuring a large central gathering space, the club held performances from world-renowned Jazz artist while also acting as a forum for major social issues. Unfortunately the space was forced to close by its landlord in 2007.
Current view of 3947 S Michigan Avenue via Google Maps
Rendering of HotHouse by DMAC Architecture & Interiors
Now after nearly 17 years since it closed the club has secured a grant of $200,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The renovated center will see a completely new exterior with 42,000 square feet of interior space which will include; a new restaurant space, small local product bodega, a green house, performance space capable of holding 250 people, offices, meeting rooms, box office, and more.
Rendering of HotHouse restaurant space by DMAC Architecture & Interiors
Programming for the center will include arts, music, and social justice programs, but HotHouse won’t stop there, with plans to add an additional story to the building and purchase the lot across the street. The additional funding joins an existing pool of $160,000 from a multi-year fundraising campaign. While no groundbreaking date was announced, the center hopes to open by the end of 2025.
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Smooth design for HotHouse, I really hope this come to fruition.