The Den Theater
Location: Wicker Park, Chicago
Client: The Den Theater
Scope: Architecture (Renovation) + Masterplan
Progress/Year: 2019–Ongoing
Client: The Den Theater
Scope: Architecture (Renovation) + Masterplan
Progress/Year: 2019–Ongoing
The Den Theatre was founded in 2010 in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. It has grown organically over the past 10 years occupying the entirety of the building and expanding into adjacent structures. It is currently home to resident theater companies, comedy shows, and music acts. Future Firm is leading both a long-term programming study in the form of a Masterplan for The Den Theatre and implementing phased renovations and additions. A series of projects renovate and unify the existing layout and provide a clear design and programming strategy for The Den to expand over the coming years. This will accomodate innovative performance spaces, new restaurants, communal indoor and outdoor space, and a series of infrastructure upgrades. The primary design and programming strategy uses the concept of “Main Street” as a design approach. It extends the vibrant corridor of Milwaukee Ave and Wicker Park into the building, transforming under-utilized circulation space into vibrant, active public space with clear wayfinding systems that lead users to new and exciting restaurants, bars, and theaters.
