Plans have been revealed for a new dance-centered wellness hub at 9350 South Chicago Avenue in South Chicago. Located just a few steps away from famed eatery Calumet Fisheries, the project will redevelop the former Full Circle Congregation church building into a new home for local nonprofit Black Girls Dance.
Site context map of Full Circle Community Center via Google Maps
Currently in its fifth season, the dance group has been working toward a permanent home for some time with local architect Silvestro Design Operations. The existing structure previously served as a union hall for steelworkers before being vacated a few years ago. As a result, the project will include replacement of the roof and HVAC system, according to Block Club.
Rendering of Full Circle Community Center by Silvestro Design Operations
Rendering of Full Circle Community Center by Silvestro Design Operations
The one-story, 18,000-square-foot facility will be anchored by a 450-seat auditorium for the group’s performances and community use, complete with its own entrance and box office. The rest of the building will include four dance studios with sprung floors and professional sound systems, as well as lockers, a dancers’ lounge, offices, a tech lab, and a small teaching kitchen/café.
Floor plan of Full Circle Community Center by Silvestro Design Operations
The space will be used to expand the group’s annual student capacity from 200 to 350, create additional jobs, and launch 10 new community programs focused on wellness, financial literacy, nutrition and cooking, tech literacy, and creative entrepreneurship. The center will be open to all, with hopes to begin construction soon and open by the end of 2026.
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No mention of cost or who’s funding it?
From a CBS News article, “Barnett has an angel investor who purchased the site for the organization. Now, she needs to raise $5 million to transform the property, with the goal of opening in September of 2026.”
Last look on go fund me ,they raised $7100.
This is a nice addition to South Chicago. Between the quantum campus and transit bill (hopefully improving service in this area), South Chicago is likely going to see a renaissance in the next few years. It’s good to see an organization like this grow while property values are still reasonable.