Excerpts from dnainfochicago.com:
Work will soon be underway for the $600,000 transformation of the historic 1928 firehouse on Ridge Avenue into a headquarters and movie house for the currently Andersonville-based Chicago Filmmakers, city records show. The total budget to transform the firehouse into Chicago Filmmakers’ new home is $1,000,000.
Permits issued by the city Friday include the construction of a 149-person movie theater, artistic and instructional spaces and offices, the addition of an elevator and exit stairs, plus upgraded plumbing and electrical systems.
Once the firehouse is renovated, the nonprofit film organization would use the building to offer weekly screenings of independent films and documentaries, as well as classes available to the public.
The firehouse was sold to Chicago Filmmakers by the city in 2014 for $36,000, but the group has been focusing on fundraising since to raise the $600,000 necessary for changes.
Initial plans place the main entrance to the building off of the alley, with a concession stand and bathroom built just inside. The existing parking lot on the property includes 15 spaces.
Next door to the firehouse, a recently demolished residential structure is slated to become a park or green space.
thanks Dan
