Construction is progressing on the renovation and expansion of the South Side Community Art Center at 3831 South Michigan Avenue in Bronzeville. Located mid-block between East 37th Place and East Pershing Road, the center dates back to 1940, when it became the nation’s first Black art museum not affiliated with a historically Black college or university.
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
The center is the only remaining community art center established by the Works Progress Administration’s art project division, a part of the second New Deal back in 1935. The institution purchased its current 1893-built mansion for $8,000 in 1940, becoming a key player in developing local African American artists.
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
The museum is working with local architects Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt. The $18 million project is focused on restoring the historic mansion while upgrading its interior galleries and support spaces. Additionally, a 10,000-square-foot expansion is being built on the vacant lot to the north, increasing the center’s capacity by almost 400 percent.
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Once completed, the expansion will bring added gallery space, collection storage, archives, classrooms, and a gathering space to expand the center’s outreach and programs as well. This will also bring accessibility upgrades. Of the total cost, $3 million has been earmarked to support the center’s operations for three years and create a reserve.
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Rendering of SSCAC by Future Firm and wrkSHäp|kiloWatt
Recently, the Department of Planning and Development joined city officials for a beam-raising ceremony at the center. This came after the department granted the facility a $5 million grant as well. Local contractors Brown & Momen and Berglund Construction are building out the project, with an anticipated opening date in 2027.
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