Focus Group Moves Forward on Plans for Howard Street Theatre

Submitted by the City of Evanston

The Howard Street Theatre Focus Group met on March 17 to discuss the steps needed to create a theater/performing arts space in the City of Evanston-owned properties in the 700 block of Howard Street in Evanston. The group convened at Peckish Pig, a restaurant and brewery located at 623 Howard St. in Evanston.

Focus group participants discussed the many strengths of the location, including excellent access to public transit; the opening in 2008 of a 221-unit apartment building just to the east; an award-winning restaurant and award-winning cocktail lounge just down the block; the increased vibrancy of the street; and its close proximity to Chicago.

Participants evaluated the properties available for theater use (717, 721-723 and 727-729 Howard St.), reviewed previous renderings and concepts for a theater on that block, and discussed the steps required to find a theatre company or companies that would thrive in this location.

Other issues addressed were who would manage and operate the space; the number of seats and their configuration; if an additional location should be considered for a cabaret to allow for comedy club and intimate live musical performances; and the timing to build the space and solicit users.

The group reported that the next steps will be as follows: clearly articulate the vision for Howard Street and the arts; convene a meeting with a group of theatres that might be interested in the space; go forth with a plan for the space to get funding; narrow down the list of people who can participate; and select a theatre group to enter a long-term lease from the City.

Focus group members and their affilations are Leslie Brown, Piven Theatre; Deb Clapp, League of Chicago Theatres; Marc Edelstein, Million Dollar Quartet; Tim Evans, Northlight Theatre; Sean Graney, The Hypocrites; Dan Lornitis, Comedy Hypnotist; Sam Roberson, Congo Square Theatre Company; Mike Vasilko, Vasilko Architects and Associates, Inc.; Ann Rainey, Evanston’s 8th Ward Alderman; Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune theater critic; and Stephen Frazier, Evanston resident and musician. City of Evanston staff representatives are Johanna Nyden, Economic Development Division Manager, and Jennifer Lasik, Cultural Arts Coordinator.