Coliseum Building
THE HISTORIC COLISEUM FROM THE PAST
THE HISTORIC COLISEUM IN THE FUTURE
“Authentic Restoration”
Since 1917, Lake Street and 27th Avenue has been the home of the Coliseum Building. Originally, it was built as a department store for Freeman’s and commercial center of the Longfellow community. Many businesses were also birthed here like boarding rooms, law firms, barber shop and a ballroom to name a few. In 2020, the Coliseum suffered fire damage from the uprisings after the murder of Mr. George Floyd where protests took place at the 3rd police precinct two blocks away. This building has had many stories and we are grateful to create a new chapter for this next season.
What does it mean to authentically restore an historic structure? That’s the question that our project team was presented. It’s a delicate balance of what’s possible from studying photos, understanding prior renovations and previous construction techniques to reveal the inherent beauty of original craftsmanship and materials. An additional layer of requirements guided design decisions when the building was placed on the National Historic Registry in Spring 2022. Our team carefully crafted a space to house retail, restaurant, co-working space and an event center that will house BIPOC creatives that serve the surrounding community. With energy efficient building systems, solar panels and the re-imagining of spaces within the existing structure, the Coliseum will be restored as a community gem to welcome all.
Opening Summer 2024
Dates: 2022 - 2024
Equity — A BIPOC creative ecosystem of small businesses that serve community.
— Building amenities for all: Lactation Rooms, Foot washing, Bike entrance/storage.— Varity of rental gathering and meeting room spaces for up to 300 .
Environment — Adaptive re-use of an 80,00 square foot commercial building.
— Roof top solar panels.
— Hybrid gas/electric building systems for future geothermal.
Economic Impact — Development structure centers African American building ownership.
— Multiple funding sources: forgivable grants, historic and new market tax credits.
— Affordable rent with tenant focused amenities to support their growth.
