SPACE expands its property next door, continues construction project

SPACE has begun its construction project at 1243 Chicago Ave.

Karina Eid, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor

October 6, 2024

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 around the city. However, Evanston SPACE, a live music hall that opened in 2008 located on Chicago Avenue, was the only spot that survived — and succeeded.

“They did everything right,” Narducy said.

Now, the venue, which currently shares a hallway with Union Pizzeria, is expanding its music hub next door to 1243 Chicago Ave. The building used to house two stores: Interiors Et Cetera and Another Time, Another Place Antiques.

The venue itself will not change. SPACE has continued hosting shows throughout the entire construction project. This week alone, concertgoers can pick from musical acts like John Craigie, Christian McBride & Ursa Major, and Martin Sexton.

Davis Inman, SPACE’s talent buyer, said the new additions to SPACE will include a lobby, bar and bathroom.

Rosemary Anguiano, SPACE’s marketing and ticketing manager, said there will be a separate entrance that will make SPACE much easier to find for first-time guests, as the venue is currently tucked away in the same location as Union Pizzeria.

These new features also mean shorter lines for the bathroom and drinks, so guests can grab a cocktail before a show.

SPACE also plans to add an outdoor back patio. Inman said he expects the patio to lend itself to large private events.

“You could have a really nice wedding ceremony outdoors in this sort of patio area, and then the wedding indoors at SPACE with music and food,” Inman said.

He anticipates that the lobby will be done first, likely by this spring. The patio is anticipated to be complete later, but uncertainties around construction make it difficult to know exactly when, Inman said.

Anguiano said the construction is well underway.

“It’s constantly changing every time you go past,” she said.

Once the construction is finished, Evanston residents can expect a grand opening party, similar to SPACE’s Holiday Jamboree and 15th anniversary party last year, Anguiano said.

“We’re excited for people to see it. I think it’s gonna be great,” Inman said. “I think people are gonna really love the new spaces.”

Narducy, who has played in countless venues throughout his career, said he still considers SPACE 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 would provide more comfort for concertgoers, reducing the long lines and congestion toward the front entrance of Union Pizzeria before shows.

“I think the experience of going to a show will be so much greater, so much better, just (from) the touches and the amenities,” Inman said.

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