(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — One of Chicago's iconic music venues is a big step closer to reopening in a new home, after receiving a major grant from the city.
The Double Door was evicted from its former-home in Wicker Park in 2017.
About three years ago, Double Door co-owner Pete Bruce says he bought the former-Wilson Avenue Theater at 1050 W. Wilson Ave in Uptown to become Double Door's new home.
He said renovating the building will cost up to $10 million, and that's why a $5 million community development grant from the City of Chicago was so important.
“The revenue generated by the Double Door – when it opens in our calculations, in our model – it doesn't support a $10 million principal and interest payment. So finding this grant from the city is a genuine lifesaver.”
While it is a lifesaver, it takes a while for the process to get going.
“The process of receiving the money from the city is slow. They've indicated to us that it would probably be in the fall. And we hope to, we figure hopefully between a ten and 14 month build,” Bruce said.
He has big plans for the new Double Door.
“It’s going to be basically what the old double door was, just bigger and better and cooler and in Uptown.”
Bruce says he hopes the new Double Door will have its grand opening on Halloween of next year.
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