“A new performing arts and gathering space is a step closer to coming to Albany Park thanks to a $1.2 million grant from the city.

“Developer James Yelen wants to renovate the vacant single-story building at 3741-49 W. Lawrence Ave. into the Workshop Arts Collaborative. The development would have rehearsal and instruction studios, pop-up space for local vendors and a flexible event area open to community arts organizations, musicians and emerging young artists.

“Yelen’s proposal would renovate the interior to feature 12-14 soundproof rehearsal spaces, a street-facing storefront with a dedicated pop-up space and a 2,200-square-foot event space with a flexible layout for performances, private gatherings, workshops and group lessons, according to the plans.

“The basic concept is you’d be able to walk in, pay an hourly rate and have access to a soundproof room that has drums and amplifiers and microphones. Essentially, just plug in and play,” Yelen said. “That could appeal to younger people who don’t have a space to play at home, a group of people coming together to play for the first time or a group preparing for a gig.” (Hernandez, Block Club Chicago, 5/30/25)

“The Workshop has received a $1.2 million Community Development grant for the planned community-oriented performing arts and gathering space at 3741 W. Lawrence. Located midblock, the property is currently occupied by a 100+-year-old building that would be renovated into the home of this new local hub.

“The Workshop aspires to be a catalyst for economic development, revitalizing a quiet stretch of Lawrence Avenue.

“To allow for the scope of the project, the team is looking to rezone the property from B1-2 to C1-2.

“The $2.4 million project will be financed with the $1.2 million Community Development Grant in addition to the $400,000 in city grant funding from the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Program and $100,000 from the Chicago Community Trust Predevelopment Program which have already been awarded to the project.” (Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 6/4/25)

Read the full story at Urbanize Chicago and Block Club Chicago

• Albany Park’s Workshop Arts Collaborative Gets $1.2 Million City Grant For Building Renovation; The development, which still needs a zoning change, would host live performances and have soundproof rehearsal studios and pop-up space for vendors, Alex V. Hernandez, Block Club Chicago, 5/30/25
• The Workshop at 3741 W. Lawrence receives $1.2 million Community Development Grant; The project will reuse an existing building as a community-oriented performing arts center, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 6/4/25
• City Awards $20 Million In Community Development Grants: What Did Your Neighborhood Get? Projects getting funding include the South Side Birth Center, Maplewood Brewing and the Music Box Theatre. The grants will help with buildouts, renovations and more, Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago, 5/29/25