Black Ensemble Theater steps closer to creating 'cultural village' with Uptown expansion
Black Ensemble Theater is building off its presence in Uptown to create a “cultural village” around its Clark Street theater.
Ald. Angela Clay (46th) approved a zoning change in November for BET’s Free to Be Village, a mixed-use development that would promote the theater’s mission of eradicating racism through the arts and community engagement.
The plans to build affordable housing for artists and to create spaces for retail, arts and technology across from BET's theater moved forward after months of community engagement and design modifications.
Clay approved the zoning request for the project on the properties from 4427 to 4459 N. Clark St. BET will also need City Council approval for the planned development.
BET’s founder and CEO, Jackie Taylor, did not respond to requests for comment.
Clay said in her written decision that the project aligns with her vision. “We look forward to this development expanding an amazing neighborhood institution and increasing our housing stock near public transit in the 46th Ward.”
In 2011, BET opened the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center — its first permanent home in Chicago — at 4450 N. Clark St. The proposed development will build out the studio theater in BET’s existing building, according to the plans.
"Free to BE will create a unique cultural experience and entertainment destination that accelerates economic development, job creation, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, and the creation of a nature green-oriented pedestrian experience," BET wrote in its project narrative submitted to the 46th Ward office.
The new five-story building will rise across the street from BET’s existing building. The property at 4427 N Clark St. was formerly occupied by the Japanese American Service Committee. It has since been acquired by BET. The parking lot and vacant lot next door will also be used, plans show.
The mixed-use building has three primary components: affordable housing, retail and cultural-educational components.
All 53 units at the village will be affordable and for artists. There will be 42 one-bedroom units and 11 two-bedroom units, according to the plans, though no projected rents were disclosed.
The commercial portion of the building will include 13,000 square feet of retail space that could fit three to six tenants, including a literary cafe and restaurant. Cultural and educational components will include a 7,000-square-foot media and technology center, plus a performing arts education center spanning double the size of the tech center.
The two centers will provide a variety of spaces for artists to hone their skills, including editing stations, recording studio space, a pop-up stage, movement studio space and a screening room, according to BET’s plans. There would also be administrative and staff facilities on site.
The development would have 89 parking spaces, mostly underground in a new parking facility.
BET altered its original vision — designed by Chicago-based Gensler — based on community feedback. Its updated 2024 vision reduced the building’s height by a floor and adjusted the building’s setback due to resident concerns about higher traffic in the alley behind the property.
BET’s plans show a budget of $75 million for the project, which would be completed in two phases — Phase 1 would be the educational and retail portions of the development, and Phase 2 would be the artist residences.
BET estimates construction could be complete in the third quarter of 2027, with occupation in the following months.