Details have been revealed for the redevelopment of the St. George Church at 9546 S Ewing Avenue in East Side. Located on the eastern edge of the city near the Indiana border and across the street from Calumet Park, the project will revitalize the closed church into an arts hub and community space.
Current view of 9546 S Ewing Avenue via ARTEMPLE Foundation
The church was closed back in 2020 due to financial constraints that led to the merging of its congregation with others nearby according to Block Club. After sitting vacant, it has now been announced that ARTEMPLE Foundation will be taking over the three-building campus and redeveloping the auditorium, rectory, and school building over multiple phases.
Current view of school basement at 9546 S Ewing Avenue via ARTEMPLE Foundation
ARTEMPLE is made up of local artists looking to pay-it-forward, using their money along with grants and fundraising to build the new hub which will focus on in-house residencies and programs aimed at the local community who is still grappling with the departure of the steel industry.
Current view of auditorium at 9546 S Ewing Avenue via ARTEMPLE Foundation
Rendering of auditorium at 9546 S Ewing Avenue via ARTEMPLE Foundation
The existing rectory will have its six residential units renovated into short- and long-term housing for artists with residencies at the complex. The lower floor will contain either private or public studio space. The former school will be converted into additional studio space including for glassblowing with a practice space and commercial kitchen in the basement.
Current view of school at 9546 S Ewing Avenue via ARTEMPLE Foundation
There will also be a maker space with a CNC machine and more, with the current auditorium will be converted into a performance space that can also be used by the community and for various classes like Tai Chi. The project will debut its first classes this spring, with the full proposal expected to be completed within the next five to seven years.
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I am so glad that this building is being preserved, in particular that the large open space is not being cut up into housing units. Too many beautiful old church buildings are being torn down and replaced with Hanna-boxes.
Good morning I am happy this space can be saved and be used by the community just the little things that are needed in this area thank you
Kudos to ART TEMPLE Foundation for coming to the rescue! I’m so glad to see this church saved and turned into something useful.