Over the last year, TimeLine has publicly expressed an interest (see below) in the Trumbull School building in Andersonville at the corner of Ashland and Foster Avenues. This evening, Alderman Patrick O’Connor announced that Svigos Development has been named the winner of the bidding process to purchase Trumbull, and that the intent is for Svigos to partner with TimeLine to occupy the first floor of the building.
We are delighted to hear that the neighborhood and the Alderman have expressed significant support for us, and that they want TimeLine at Trumbull. We’d previously reported that TimeLine had been working with a different developer, Howard Weiner and Chicago Development Partners (CDP), and we collaborated with CDP over the last year on plans for the building. When we learned recently that CDP was not among the finalists for Trumbull, we initiated conversations with Svigos to determine if there could be a partnership between us.
Following tonight’s announcement from Alderman O’Connor, we look forward to collaborating with Svigos to explore next steps and plans for Trumbull. We’ll share more details as soon as we have them.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
As we first wrote on our blog in August, TimeLine is working with Howard Weiner of Chicago Development Partners, LLC (CDP) on a proposal for a mixed-use project that preserves the Lyman Trumbull Elementary School building through an innovative combination of arts and residential components—including a new home for TimeLine Theatre. CDP’s proposal for the building is one of several submitted to Alderman Patrick O’Connor for public review and input. (You can review the current status of the process on the alderman’s website.)
TimeLine will update this page as further details become available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Director of New Home Development Elizabeth Auman at (773) 281-8463 x135 or via email at elizabeth@timelinetheatre.com if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support!
KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE AT TRUMBULL
TimeLine is delighted to partner with Chicago Development Partners (CDP) for consideration of the redevelopment of Trumbull School. The opportunity to re-use and revitalize this historic building aligns with our mission of bringing history to life and connecting the past with the present. In fact, TimeLine was launched in 1997 just blocks away from Trumbull in the living rooms of the company’s founding members. We are committed to being an active contributor to the Andersonville community and to furthering its reputation as a vibrant neighborhood destination to live, work, shop, dine and experience remarkable art and culture.
Since 1999, TimeLine has resided just three miles south of Trumbull, where we’ve fostered a terrific relationship with neighboring residents, restaurants, shops and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. But we’ve outgrown our home on Wellington Avenue, and over the last four years have had to present several productions offsite. We’re seeking a new home that enables us to reach a broader audience, supports more robust production and educational programming, and retains the intimacy, flexibility and historical focus that’s integral to our work. Trumbull is that perfect new home.
A Place for Community
Our vision for the corner of Foster and Ashland is to create a welcoming gathering spot, valuable to all members of the community. TimeLine will invite everyone to experience our award-winning, thought-provoking productions, as well as free play readings, events for education and audience engagement, and an extensive discussion series. And we look forward to becoming prominent participants in neighborhood events and promotions and a venue for community events and meetings.
A Vibrant Audience
TimeLine currently draws more than 25,000 audience members annually from throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including significant support near Trumbull. The 60640 zip code ranks among the top five zip codes for both our subscriber base and our single ticket buyers, and nearby Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Uptown, Rogers Park and Wrigleyville also rank high among our top 10 neighborhoods.
Ample Parking
TimeLine and CDP will have parking adjacent to Trumbull, to the north and west of the building. More than 110 planned parking spaces will accommodate building residents plus provide nearly three times the number of spaces required by the city for the theater. By greatly exceeding the code, we’re confident our plan easily accommodates the parking needs of audience members who aren’t among the many who travel via public transportation or are within walking distance.
Enhancing Neighborhood Vitality
TimeLine has a proven track record of building strong community relations and partnerships, and our audience offers a compelling opportunity for Andersonville businesses. A variety of local businesses benefit greatly from theater patrons, who often eat and/or shop before and after performances. We’ve experienced success working with restaurants in particular to increase their sales through customized partnerships. There’s additional benefit for restaurants because theatergoers tend to eat and drink outside prime dining hours. We look forward to maximizing the positive economic impact a new theater in the neighborhood can provide.
One Response to “Latest Trumbull News”
Gretchen Quinn
Sounds good. We love your theater!!! Look forward more to its excellence. Sorry for Wellington for your loss as I know they count on your presence.
Gretchen and Vince Quinn