Chicago's TimeLine Theater is opening the doors to its new space in Uptown this weekend, a sneak peek of what's to come in May.
"We're super excited. It's been a long time coming," smiled PJ Powers, Artistic Director, Timeline Theater.
Construction along Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood is just about finished.
"It's nearly 40,000 square feet, there are five stories, there is the theater right in the heart of the building seating 250 people, there's a bar and cafe, there's education and engagement space, there's rehearsal space, there's offices, there's exhibit galleries. It is a very large building that really encompasses all of our operations." he said.
Powers says it's an exciting time after 18 years of planning.
"Chicago theater has really struggled since the pandemic. TImeline has thankfully has bucked those trends."
"If you look at a rendering in the building before, very little light came in through the tiny windows. Our goal was to create really human spaces, open spaces throughout the building. We have more light than back of house than any other theater," said Mika Cole, Executive Director, TimeLine Theater.
TimeLine purchased the site in 2018 for $2.7 million, with construction beginning in 2024 to repurpose the structure. The new space is a redeveloped 1920s-built warehouse, formerly known as the W.C. Reebie & Brother storage building.
"We have kept much of the exposed brickwork from the old building in the back half of the building. It represents the modern in the front, the classic space in the back. We have really cool features, we have a new lighting and old looking fixtures as an ode to the former space, " said
On the fourth floor, dressing rooms, the green room, the costume space, and a history hall.
"This will be a retrospective of our first three decades of producing so you'll see old production posters from past shows, a deep dive of the artists and history who were part of Timeline's 30 years." he said.
On the fifth floor, a high ceiling rehearsal space, with floor to ceiling windows that looks over Broadway. Powers says they're excited to join the neighborhood's historic entertainment district.
"There is so much history for entertainment venues. Just up the the street, the Riviera, the Green Mill and the Aragon Ballroom. We're extending that entertainment district a few blocks north adding live theater to those amazing music venues. Right around the corner from us is Argyle street with so many tremendous restaurants. With the reopening the Argyle Red Line Station, there is a new jolt of energy and enthusiasm right where the new Timeline is opening its doors," said Powers.
On April 9, 1997, six graduates of the Theater School of DePaul started Timeline to create plays about history and how it relates to contemporary issues.
"TimeLine's mission has always been a distinguishing factor for us. People know what to expect when they come here. In terms of content that explores history but really is talking about issues in the here and now. And now, we will finally have a home that allows us to expand what a night at a theater can be. To come early and have a drink, and explore our galleries and stay after and talk about what you just expereinced. We finally have that canvass for the fully breath of our mission."
Timeline will kick off its new season in its brand new home on May 6th.
