For as long as Split Single band member Jason Narducy can remember, Evanston has been trying to grow its rock culture by establishing various venues throughout the city. But Evanston Space, a live music venue on Chicago Avenue that opened in 2008, was the only one to survive and thrive.
“They did everything right,” Narducy said.
The venue, which currently shares a hallway with Union Pizzeria, is expanding its adjacent music hub at 1243 Chicago Avenue. The building previously housed two stores: Interior Etcetera and Another Time, Another Place Antiques.
The venue itself will not change. SPACE continued to host shows throughout the construction project. This week alone, concertgoers can choose from musical artists such as John Craigie, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Martin Sexton.
Davis Inman, talent buyer for SPACE, said new additions to SPACE will include a lobby, bar and bathrooms.
Rosemary Anguiano, SPACE’s marketing and ticket sales manager, said SPACE will have a separate entrance, which will make it easier to find for first-time guests, as the venue is currently tucked away in the same location as Union Pizzeria.
These new features will shorten bathroom and drink lines so guests can enjoy cocktails before the show.
SPACE also plans to add an outdoor backyard patio. Inman said he hopes the patio will be useful for large private events.
“You can have a really nice wedding outdoors in a patio area like this and then have your wedding in an indoor space with music and food,” Inman said.
He expects lobbying efforts to be completed first, likely by this spring. Inman said the patio is expected to be completed at a later date, but the uncertainty surrounding construction makes it difficult to know exactly when.
Anguiano said construction is progressing well.
“Every time I walk by, it’s always changing,” she said.
Once construction is complete, Evanston residents can expect a grand opening party similar to the space’s holiday jamboree and 15th anniversary party last year, Anguiano said.
“We’re looking forward to people seeing it. I think it’s going to be great,” Inman said. “I think people will really like the new space.”
Narducy, who has played at countless venues throughout his career, said he still considers SPACE to be one of his favorites. In fact, he played his first “hometown show” in 41 years at SPACE with his childhood band “Verböten” on Saturday.
Narducy said the construction will make concertgoers more comfortable and reduce long lines and crowds heading to Union Pizzeria’s main entrance before shows.
“I think just the feel and the amenities alone will make the experience of going to a show much nicer and better,” Inman said.
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