“Double Door is working toward a debut next year in its Uptown home, more than four years after the beloved rock club was evicted from its longtime Wicker Park location. The goal is to open ‘within the year,’ and work is underway transforming the historical Wilson Theater building at 1050 W. Wilson Ave. into a music venue, Double Door co-owner Pete Bruce said.
“Double Door will have a capacity of about 750 people, whereas the original club maxed out at about 500 people, Bruce said. There will be two mezzanine levels around the main floor, plus a balcony. Some VIP seating is planned. Because Double Door’s building most recently served as a bank, a downstairs vault is being transformed into a ‘mini venue lounge’ that will host smaller acts and be open daily, Bruce said.
“The basement vault has been excavated to reveal terra cotta believed to be from the 1920s, which will be restored, Bruce said. After demolishing walls in the basement, two staircases leading to the main floor were found. Those will also be restored, he said.
“Bruce came on and helped close the deal with Cedar Street, buying the Wilson Theater from the prolific development firm this year for $750,000, records show. Cedar Street, which bought the theater for $625,000 in 2013, is developing the parking lot neighboring the Wilson Theater into a 62-unit apartment complex.
“The Wilson Theater, built in 1908, was constructed to host vaudeville performers. Most recently, it was a TCF bank until 2011. It has sat vacant since then.
“‘Every part of this deal has been working with people we like,’ Bruce said. ‘The energy around this has been really cool. Everybody is excited and really into it.’ (Ward, Block Club Chicago, 11/9/21)