DNAinfo.com recently published an article about a historic Chicago firehouse that's set to be transformed into a creative hub by a local filmmaking organization.
From firefighters to filmmakers — the abandoned city-owned firehouse at 5714 N. Ridge Ave., a Chicago Landmark built in 1928 and adorned with terra cotta, is now being offered for sale to the Andersonville-based nonprofit Chicago Filmmakers under a new city initiative.
The city selected Chicago Filmmakers from several other arts and community groups to take over and renovate the property. If approved by the Chicago Plan Commission and City Council, the city will sell the firehouse for just $36,000 — a fraction of its market value, according to Chris Chang, a representative from the Department of Housing and Economic Development.
Despite its dilapidated condition, the building has been empty since firefighters left in 2003. Chicago Filmmakers plans to invest $600,000 in renovations to bring it back to life.
"This is a dream come true," said Brenda Webb, executive director of Chicago Filmmakers, during a recent meeting with local residents. "We're thrilled and honored to have been chosen."
Once renovated, the space will host weekly screenings of independent films and documentaries that aren't typically shown at mainstream theaters. The organization also plans to partner with nearby schools, host two film festivals, and offer experimental, underground, and offbeat programming.
"We want the firehouse to be seen as a true community resource," Webb added.
If everything goes smoothly, the city’s approval should come by spring, with construction starting immediately afterward. The renovation is expected to take between eight months and a year once the building is acquired.
For years, neighbors have hoped for a new tenant to revitalize the empty structure. The search began a decade ago, and it wasn’t until May that the city issued a request for proposals from organizations interested in taking over vacant firehouses across the city.
An open house earlier this summer drew interest from a brew pub, theater groups, and even a nursery school. Sue Morales, president of the local block club, believes the Chicago Filmmakers’ plan is a perfect fit for the neighborhood.
If approved, the basement and first and second floors will be fully renovated. The basement will serve as storage, while the first floor’s truck bay will be converted into a screening room with up to 99 seats. The second floor will become a classroom space. An elevator will also be added to the building, along with a concession stand and bathroom near the entrance.
The existing parking lot includes 15 spaces. Ald. Harry Osterman (48th) confirmed that Chicago Filmmakers was one of two finalists, beating out a for-profit arts group that the city chose not to name.
Webb shared that Chicago Filmmakers has been around since 1973 and has been leasing space on N. Clark Street for the past 17 years. She had her eye on the firehouse for a long time, though her first visit revealed a basement filled with water — a challenge she’s now eager to overcome.
Thanks, Dan
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