Northlight Theatre is pleased to share that we are continuing to make significant progress in our years-long pursuit of building a theatre center in Evanston.
Following the purchase of property at 1012-16 Church Street, Northlight recently received $2 million in support from the City of Evanston American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. We are proceeding with the next steps of our campaign and relocation initiative, including demolition of the existing buildings on the site of our future home.
We are eager to bring enormous economic impact to the downtown business district and the much-needed healing power of the arts to the entire community.
“This is a breakthrough moment in the 45-year history of Northlight. This future theater, education, and community complex will be a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore, and will for decades bring artists, audiences, students, and community members together to experience compassionate and compelling art, entertainment, and theater education.”
It’s time for Northlight’s next act—a theatre home of our own.
Northlight’s bold vision is to build a world-class theatre in Evanston, the vibrant community where Northlight began in 1974. Today, our intensely entertaining productions broaden perspectives and deepen compassion. Our education programs touch the lives of thousands of young people each year, and we enrich our community through audience engagement and creative partnerships.
With a new theatre in downtown Evanston, we will entertain and inspire audiences with compelling new and existing work. We’ll nurture and grow the next generation of theatregoers, expand our civic impact, spark economic development, and serve as a cultural hub for the entire community.
“Northlight in downtown Evanston will be the destination driver we need. It will attract people to our community who are not only from Evanston but also from Chicago and the North Shore; people who will spend money in our local restaurants and shops before and after attending a performance. Northlight will also serve as a cultural hub and be accessible to the entire community including our youth who will be able to experience professional theatre and participate in enriching theatre arts education.”
A Home for Northlight
Northlight’s new home will be a stand-alone, three story building. The state-of-the-art complex will house a 300-seat main stage theater, rehearsal hall, spacious community lobby, a glass-cubed rooftop “sky room” and roof deck for use as a daytime education center and nighttime event space, several lobby lounges and concession areas, theater support spaces, on-site box office, and offices for Northlight staff. Our desire is to create a dynamic performance, event, and educational environment that will serve Evanston, Chicago, and the entire Chicagoland area long into the future.
AN Asset for Evanston
Located in the heart of downtown, steps from parking and public transportation options, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy. In the first five years of operation in the new location, it is estimated that Northlight patrons will generate $56 million in new spending in Evanston and over $450,000 in tax revenue—a much needed boost to the economic redevelopment of the city.
“I read a definition of ‘home’ once that said it was ‘a happy place where one can live, laugh, and learn; somewhere where you are loved, respected, and cared for.’ I’d like to think that Northlight will find in its return to Evanston just that—a place where we can share, through our development of new work, a common conversation and a safe space. A home, where we find love, respect, and care.”
Northlight’s future location at 1012-1016 Church Street, Evanston IL
