Kehrein Center for the Arts Opens

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place for the grand opening of the Kehrein Center for the Arts and new Sistema Ravinia Auditorium in Chicago’s Austin Community. The original building by Belli and Belli Architects, circa 1956, had been vacant since the mid-1970s. Eckenhoff Saunders dedicated several years to re-design and bring this 22,000 SF, 950-seat auditorium back to life.

The renovation includes all new finishes, seating, theatrical lighting, AV systems as well as architectural acoustic enhancements and MEP/FP systems. It will serve as a school auditorium, church sanctuary, and musical performance space for multiple users. Most importantly, it will serve as a beacon in the Austin community for art and culture and provide a much-needed opportunity for families and residents to participate in performance activities of all kinds.