Chicago Architecture Biennial presents The Available City at Central Park Theater Grand Opening, Saturday, September 18, 2021

Chicago Architecture Biennial presents The Available City at Central Park Theater, Saturday, September 18, 2021, 12:00 noon to 5:30pm, Central Park Theater, 3535 W Roosevelt Road. Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Biennial

“Grand Opening of The Available City at Central Park Theater by Chicago Architecture Biennial
Saturday, September 18, 2021
12:00 noon to 5:30pm
Central Park Theater, 3535 W Roosevelt Road

“Don’t miss the live entertainment, food, and the opportunity to learn more about the historical significance and restoration project of the Central Park Theater. Built in 1914, this was the first theater to have an air-conditioning, and will be reactivated for your enjoyment. We will collect oral histories “while highlighting local businesses and artists. Our site will highlight the strength and resiliency of the North Lawndale community.

  • Live performances by local DJs and theater organizations,
  • Architectural tours of the historic theater interior by Preservation Chicago
  • Local food and merchandise vendors from the North Lawndale community
  • A “Back to School” giveaway with backpacks and school supplies hosted by the Church of God in Christ,
  • Collection of oral histories of your memories of the theater with the North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society,
  • Engage the redevelopment project by completing a survey about the future of the building as a new arts and culture hub for the North Lawndale community
  • An unveiling of a new architecture installation by Manuel Herz Architects, an office for architecture and urban planning, based in Basel, Switzerland and Cologne, Germany, commissioned as part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

“Exhibit Runs September 17 to December 18, 2021
Monday- Friday, 11am-2pm
3535 W Roosevelt Road, North Lawdale
Project by Manuel Herz Architects and the Central Park Theater Restoration Committee
Mural byThomas Melvin Painting Studio

“The Central Park Theater was one of the most important social and cultural hubs of Chicago: The place where Benny Goodman played his first concerts in the 1920s, and where gospel and blues musicians invented new styles in the 1950s and 60s. One of the most historically significant movie palaces in the United States, the theater is one of the first of its kind and became a model for buildings of its type which followed. In 1971, it became home to the House of Prayer Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Lincoln Scott and his successor, Pastor Robert Marshal.

“Since 2019, a committee—The Central Park Restoration Committee—of interdisciplinary partners has joined in collaboration with the Church to plan for a sustainable restoration and redevelopment of the theater to serve the North Lawndale community. Currently, a planning process is underway to seek funds to address deferred maintenance and restoration priorities, while continuing ongoing community engagement.

“Members from various local organizations—House of Prayer Church of God in Christ, Jewish Community Relations Council of Chicago, North Lawndale Historical & Cultural Society, Preservation Chicago, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Future Firm—are part of this committee, and were involved in both the design of the Biennial project and programming into the future.

Link to register for the Grand Opening

For more information visit Chicago Architecture Biennial

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