If the COVID-19 pandemic has left you so starved for quality theater that you’re consuming Robert Green material like it was Kit Marlowe, you’re in good company. Chicago’s own Steppenwolf Theatre is laying the brickwork for thespian expansion.
This photo was sent in by Ranch Triangle Spy Joel. It shows construction well underway on phase two of the the Steppenwolf’s $73 million expansion.
The main act at 1646 North Halsted Street is a theater in the round, seating 400 people. There will also be a wine bar, a lounge, a costume shop, and a sidewalk lounge in supporting roles.
If 400 seats doesn’t sound like a lot for a theater in the round, it’s not. The entire audience will only be six rows deep. The back row will only be 20 feet from the stage. Even in the cheap seats, you’ll still be able to smell the grease paint and see the glistening of flop sweat. Which surely never happens.
The new theater is expected to open this summer.
Location: 1650 North Halsted Street, Ranch Triangle
Editor founded the Chicago Architecture Blog in 2003, after a long career in journalism. He can be reached at chicagoarchitectureinfo@gmail.com.
