Chicago's South Side Community Art Center getting $15 million renovation
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Exterior view of South Side Community Art Center renovation and addition, at night, from South Michigan Avenue. Rendering: Courtesy of SSCAC & Future Firm
The country's oldest independently run Black arts center in Bronzeville is getting a major facelift.
The big picture: South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC), located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave., plans to undergo a $15 million renovation and expansion led by local architects Future Firm.
State of play: Plans include more than 10,000 square feet of new space, updated galleries and classrooms, a rooftop gathering space and new sustainable features, the art center announced.
Flashback: A group of Black Chicago artists, led by Margaret Burroughs, acquired the current building in 1940 and received funding through the New Deal for renovations and staffing.
What they're saying: "Sitting on the shoulders of those who came before us, we are thrilled to be able to preserve the legacy of the South Side Community Art Center, while creating space to celebrate and inspire the next generation of Black artists," SSCAC executive director Monique Brinkman-Hill said in a press release.
- "As we celebrate over 85 years in operation, we look forward to continuing our work with the development team and members of our community to ensure our historic home and expanded campus will continue to serve this community for the next 85 years."
What's next: Future Firm and SSCAC are hosting a project unveiling Feb. 22 at Apostolic Faith Church.
- The project is expected to be completed in late 2026, SSCAC said.