Black Ensemble Theater

The Committee on Design has reviewed plans for the mixed-use expansion of the Black Ensemble Theater (BE) at 4427 N Clark Street in Uptown. Dubbed ‘The Free To BE Village’ and located across the street from the theater’s current building, the new development will replace a one-story commercial building and surface parking lot. Developed by the theater itself, they have contracted a design group made up of Nia Architects, Gensler, and Site Design Group for the work.

Details have been revealed for the mixed-use expansion of the Black Ensemble Theater (BE) at 4453 N Clark Street in Uptown. Located directly across the street from the theater’s current home just south of the intersection with W Sunnyside Avenue, the new structure will expand the campus to create a cultural corridor. Originally imagined in 2009, the theater is now moving forward with enlarged plans dubbed ‘The Free To Be Village’ designed by Nia Architects, Gensler, and Site Design Group.