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Chicago City Wire

Monday, June 30, 2025

Black Ensemble Theater seeks city support for $5M expansion

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Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website

Ciere Boatright commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) | City of Chicago Website

The Black Ensemble Theater plans to expand its Uptown performance complex with the addition of a 150-seat studio theater and a rehearsal room. This expansion would be supported by $2.4 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF), as proposed to the City Council by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The project, located at 4450 N. Clark St., is estimated to cost $5 million. The expansion aims to increase the nonprofit organization's small theater productions from four to eight annually by utilizing vacant second-floor space.

Since its inception in 1976, the Black Ensemble Theater has been a part of the Uptown community. The organization moved into its current location in 2011, aided by a City TIF grant.

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