TimeLine Theatre Opens $46 Million Uptown Venue After Decades in Church Basement
On May 6, TimeLine Theatre will inaugurate its new $46 million facility located at 5035 N. Broadway in Chicago's Uptown, debuting with Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People." This five-story structure, a repurposed warehouse, replaces the former cramped quarters situated on the second floor of a 110-year-old church in Lake View. The project, spearheaded by Executive Director Mica Cole and Artistic Director PJ Powers, encountered delays due to the pandemic, causing expenses to escalate from an original estimate of $20 million. A $10 million contribution from the city was pivotal in achieving 90% of the fundraising goal. The main theater, which seats 250, features adaptable seating and catwalks, alongside a rehearsal space and a bar/cafe, conveniently located near the Argyle Red Line stop. Powers has indicated that operational costs are set to double amid concerns regarding audiences and the economy.
Key facts
- TimeLine Theatre's new $46 million building opens May 6, 2026 at 5035 N. Broadway in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.
- The company previously operated for nearly three decades in a problematic second-floor space of a 110-year-old Lake View church.
- Construction costs more than doubled from an initial $20 million due to pandemic delays, inflation, and supply-chain issues.
- The city of Chicago contributed $10 million, the largest single donation to the fundraising campaign.
- The new theater seats 250 people, configurable in seven ways, a significant increase from the previous 99-seat capacity.
- The building features catwalks for lighting, a rehearsal space with Broadway views, and eclectic vintage decor curated by Nick Bowling.
- The venue is located directly in front of the refurbished Argyle Red Line stop, enhancing accessibility.
- TimeLine's opening coincides with other Chicago-area theater expansions, including Northlight Theatre in Evanston and Steep Theatre.
Entities
Artists
- Henrik Ibsen
- Mica Cole
- PJ Powers
- Nick Bowling
- William Switzer
- Stefano Esposito
Institutions
- TimeLine Theatre
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Salvage One
- Sony Studios
- Minasian Rugs
- Northlight Theatre
- Steep Theatre
- Double Door
- Fizz Bar
- Wilson Theater
- Uptown Theatre
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- Uptown
- Lake View
- Broadway
- Argyle District
- Lincoln Ave
- Evanston
- Wellington Avenue
- Middle East