Northlight Theatre Beats Fundraising Goal For Evanston Return, Plans March Groundbreaking

EVANSTON, IL — Northlight Theatre representatives announced plans to break ground in March on a long-awaited new home in downtown Evanston.

The new, state-of-the-art theater is now projected to be ready to open in fall 2026 on Church Street.

Theater officials say they have exceeded their preconstruction fundraising goals, having raised $26.2 million from more than 350 people, foundations, corporations and government sources.

Northlight’s Executive Director Timothy J. Evans described the project as a historic achievement for the theater and a key part of downtown Evanston’s revitalization.

"After five decades, Northlight Theatre will finally have a home of its own. A home in the heart of a revitalized downtown Evanston entertainment district steps from public transportation, parking, restaurants, shops, and Northwestern University," Evans said in a statement.

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"Our long-awaited homecoming to Evanston will transform the theatre landscape on the North Shore and Chicago," he added. "The password to any success in the theatre world is perseverance."

Northlight closed on the purchase of the 1012-16 Church Street property for $3 million in the summer of 2022 after a series of previous proposals fell through.

By splitting the construction into two phases, Northlight leaders say they are now positioned to move forward without further delays.

Phase one will focus on constructing the theater, lobby, rehearsal space and operational infrastructure, while phase two will add offices, a second rehearsal space and an education center.

Artistic Director BJ Jones said the theater is an investment in the future of the community and a gift to future generations of artists.

“To build our own theatrical home is a major achievement,” Jones said. “It reflects the North Shore’s commitment to the arts and artists who call our community home. It invites world-class artists to contribute to our communities. And it provides our audiences a gathering place to share our ideas, our values, and our vision for generations to come."

The new theater will feature approximately 285 seats designed for comfort and excellent sightlines, with modern sound and lighting systems, a contemporary lobby, a second-floor rehearsal and event space and communal gathering areas.

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Theatergoers will also be in close proximity to popular dining options, including The Barn, the acclaimed restaurant by award-winning restaurateur Amy Morton, which will remain on the property.

Within its first five years of operation, officials project the theater will generate $56 million in new spending and over $450,000 in tax revenue.

Mayor Daniel Biss hailed the project as a transformational investment for the city.

“Northlight's return to Evanston will be a game-changer for our downtown's economy and our whole community's cultural landscape,” Biss said. “I am beyond excited for this groundbreaking, and even more thrilled at the prospect of attending world-class theatrical productions in this terrific new facility in 2026.”

Local Democratic state representative Robyn Gabel helped secure nearly $1 million for the project from the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure bill.

“I'm delighted that Northlight intends to break ground on their new theatre in downtown Evanston in the coming months,” Gabel said. “I'm proud of the fact that the State of Illinois was an early investor in this project and also pleased to share that we recently committed additional important resources to this initiative that will revitalize downtown Evanston and greatly enhance the civic and cultural landscape of Evanston, Chicago and the North Shore."

Founded in Evanston in 1974, Northlight relocated to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie in 1997. It has staged over 240 productions, including more than 45 world premieres.

Previous efforts to return to Evanston in 2015 and 2017 fell through due to property acquisition challenges and public opposition.

Northlight Board President Robert Regan said board members were unanimous in their support to give the green light to construction.

“With great confidence," Regan said, "it is the board's belief that this new theatre will position Northlight to have yet greater success and influence in American Theatre.”

Despite exceeding a previously announced funding goal of $25 million, officials are not done raising money for the project. They plan to launch the "final phase" of fundraising next month.