Northlight Theatre announces the next phase in realizing its new theatre in downtown Evanston at 1012-16 Church Street. Staging for the demolition of the current building began June 27 and demolition is expected to begin July 11, 2022 for the property purchased by Northlight last July.
The entire site of Northlight’s future home has been vacant since 2019, with the large former Thai Sookdee property vacant since 2016, leaving a noticeable void on the block. Northlight’s presence will infuse vitality into the downtown district and serve as a driving force behind the economic redevelopment of the city. The project is supported in part by $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded by the Evanston City Council, signaling confidence that Northlight will aid in Evanston’s post-pandemic economic recovery by attracting more consumers to surrounding restaurants and businesses.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss comments, “Northlight in downtown Evanston will be the destination driver we need. It will attract people to our community who are not only from Evanston but also from Chicago and the North Shore; people who will spend money in our local restaurants and shops before and after attending a performance. Northlight will also serve as a cultural hub and be accessible to the entire community including our youth who will be able to experience professional theatre and participate in enriching theatre arts education.”
The prestigious restaurant The Barn Steakhouse is remaining in its adjacent location and will stay open through demolition and construction; Northlight is working with restauranteur Amy Morton to ensure access to the restaurant throughout the process. The demolition is expected to be completed in just over 2 weeks. The building team leading up to and including the demolition process includes architecture firm Eckenhoff Saunders, general contractor Bulley & Andrews, demolition by Evanston-based WreckOn, plumbing/HVAC by minority-owned company National Heat & Power, electrical by Block, and site utilities by Celtic.
With continued successful fundraising over the next twelve months, construction on the new theatre will begin in summer 2023 and is expected to be completed by the fall or winter of 2024.