Old casket factory set to turn into music school and performance space on Chicago's West Side
CHICAGO (CBS) -- This story of an old casket factory on Chicago's West Side has nothing to do with spooky season—it's all about a new space for children to practice performing arts.
The Loyal Casket Company at 134 S. California Ave. will be the new home for the nonprofit BandWith Chicago.
"This was the place where family came to pick out caskets, and now, it's where the family will come to nurture and enhance the children," said BandWith Chicago President Bernetta Smith.
The uniqueness of the history of the building is lost on no one.
"To create a music school and performing arts center in a casket factory—I'll be honest, even after two years, when I talk about it and I say that, it still feels like a made up project still somehow," said Chicago Bureau of Economic Development Managing Deputy Commissioner Tim Jeffries.
The idea may sound jarring for some. But for Annie Palomino, executive director of BandWith Chicago, it is a dream come true.
"On my part, I had been sort of in love with this building for 10 years," Palomino said. "I'm kind of a big fan of a big old industrial Chicago building."
BandWith Chicago is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote wellness within underserved Chicago communities by providing access to performing arts classes. The organization is currently headquartered at 212 S. Francisco Ave., just a block from its new home.
BandWith Chicago's free in-school and afterschool programs serve more than 175 students annually in the East Garfield Park community.
"It gives children a way not to be in the streets," said Harmoni Smith, a former BandWith Chicago student. "It gives children a way to see that, being musically inclined, being able to dance, being able to act or sing."
Matthew Deloney is a former student who now teaches band for the organization.
"A lot of people say I've always been a leader, so, you know, I've always led my peers," Deloney said, "and now I feel like since I'm about to be on my way out, I'm giving back to the younger generations."
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new home for BandWith in the old casket factory was held Thursday. A band performance was also held inside.
The total cost to buy and revamp the neglected 25,000-square-foot building and turn it into a state-of-the-art performing arts and training center is $15 million.
"It's been a long road," Palomino said.
BandWith Chicago is expecting to open the new performing arts center in August of next year.