Marguerite Horberg, founder and Executive Director of The Center for International Performance and Exhibition announced today that the non-profit board will purchase and develop the Elliot Donelley Youth Center as the new permanent home for the HotHouse.
Horberg confirms that the site committee and dozens of volunteers have been pursuing a Bronzeville location since 2009, when it affirmed its intention to acquire property for a permanent home for its award-winning multi-cultural programming.
“After we were locked out of Balbo, we knew the community wanted to see us re-build. Not a week has gone by that someone doesn't tell us how much they miss HotHouse.
We have been steadfastly pursuing something more secure and permanent for more than a decade and have been so fortunate to have so many people who have been part of this ongoing resurrection since day one. We are happy that we can publicly announce the new location says Horberg".
The new facility will ultimately transform three lots at 3947 S. Michigan Avenue into a hub for international cultural projects.
The planned 24,000 sq. foot, three-story building will house multiple spaces designed for the performing arts and social justice convenings.
This is the third site HotHouse will operate. Their last home on Balbo welcomed more than 70,000 people to more than 500 events a year
“We hope that this destination will envelop a host of synergistic endeavors and become a catalytic force serving people across the city” while honoring the African-American traditions of the neighborhood. Horberg says.
With a planned development schedule, the finished site will feature a black box theater, dance hall, a large flex loft space for meetings and special events, and third floor studios that will host artists in residence and travelers. Additionally the property will tie-in to the anticipated Bronzeville Trail and feature recreational and wellness programming in the "art yard”
Since 1987, HotHouse has been a leading presenter of cultural programming, originating numerous festivals and projects. Earlier this summer, HotHouse organized a jazz festival on the site marking its 35th year
The organization is currently in the actively fundraising for the purchase while also building the development team. Partial programming is being planned in the space in 2023 with full operations anticipated within 5 years.