Theater group eyes move to Evanston

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Talks continue to move forward between city officials and a Chicago theater group exploring a relocation of its highly regarded company to a site on Howard Street.

Richard Engling, artistic director for the Polarity Theatre Ensemble, currently based in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, said Friday the two sides are continuing to make progress on the theater’s move to a site at 727-29 Howard St.

The theater group currently performs in residence at the Josephinum Academy in Wicker Park.

Alderman Ann Rainey, in whose 8th Ward the project would be located, spoke of the possibility of the theater moving to the new site at last month’s Economic Development Committee meeting.

If successful, said an excited Rainey, “we believe it will be the beginning of the rebirth of Howard Street.”

The alderman has long held hope that, with the right support, Howard Street, which forms the border between Evanston and Chicago, could return to its once-vibrant status.

The city used Tax Increment Financing funds from the Howard Ridge TIF District to acquire the two-unit building at that address for a cost not to exceed $325,000.

Engling, an 8th Ward resident, said Rainey helped the group link up with some Northwestern University students who are helping the theater draw up a business plan to determine whether a move is feasible.

“We’re very hopeful, we’re very excited about it,” he said.

Engling expects his group to make a decision by the end of July.

If the plan goes forward, he indicated that the volunteer talent recruited by Rainey to offer advice will prove one of the keys.

Rainey, Economic Development planner Johanna Nyden and others marshaled local residents to contribute their expertise in studying the possible move.

Some gathered last month for a walk-through meeting at the Howard site. At the meeting, Evanston architect Michael Vasilko of Vasilko Architects brought along Todd Hensley, a partner at Schuler Shook Theatre Planners, one of the leading theater planning firms in the nation.

Others lending expertise were Marcel Eberle, an architect and construction manager; John Leineweber, representing Renaissance Realty and Construction; John Szostek, of Piccolo Theatre; and Nancy Mathyer, a Polarity supporter; Carl Bova, of Cooper Civil Engineering Ltd.; and Stanley Von Medvey, an architect and builder.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre was founded in 2004 and named as Chicago’s “Best Emerging Theatre Company” in 2008. The ensemble performs both classic and new works. One of its productions was recommended for a Jeff Award.

“We like to say we bring new life to the classics and we bring new work to life,” said Engling. “That’s kind of our mission.”

The city of Chicago has taken notice of the company as well, selecting Polarity as one of the groups to present productions in the prestigious downtown Storefront and Studio Theaters program that highlights emerging theater companies.