ENTERTAINMENT
Northlight Theatre’s Purchase Of A Property For Its New Home In Evanston
“This is a breakthrough moment in the 45-year history of Northlight Theatre. We have long sought a home of our own and the acquisition of the Church Street property allows Northlight Theatre to pursue its bold vision of building a world-class theatre complex in downtown Evanston, the vibrant and diverse community where we began,” explained Executive Director Timothy J. Evans. “This future theater, education, and community complex will be a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore, and will for decades bring artists, audiences, students, and community members together to experience compassionate and compelling art, entertainment, and theater education.” The 21,400-square-foot property will house the site of a three-story 38,000-square-foot state-of-the-art theater and community complex incorporating a 300-seat main stage theater, rehearsal hall, spacious community lobby, a glass-cubed rooftop “sky room” and roof deck for use as a daytime education center and nighttime event space, several lobby lounges and concession areas, theater support spaces, on-site box office, and offices for Northlight Theatre staff. Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, “I read a definition of ‘home’ once that said it was ‘a happy place where one can live, laugh, and learn; somewhere where you are loved, respected, and cared for.’ I’d like to think that Northlight Theatre will find in its return to Evanston 20
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just that—a place where we can share, through our development of new work, a common conversation and a safe space. A home, where we find love, respect, and care.” Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss adds, “Northlight Theatre 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.” Northlight Theatre will serve as an economic driver for downtown Evanston. In the first five years of operation in the new location, it is estimated that Northlight Theatre patrons will generate $56 million in new spending in Evanston and over $450,000 in tax revenue— a much needed boost to the economic redevelopment of the city. Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.
