Tag / theatre design
![Eckenhoff Saunders team members and project partners standing outside the entrance to the new Northlight Theatre following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.]()
Northlight Theatre Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Evanston Home
Northlight Theatre officially celebrated the completion of its new permanent home in downtown Evanston with a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 28, 2026. The milestone marks Northlight’s return to Evanston, where the organization was founded more than 50 years ago. Located on Church Street, the new cultural destination includes a 280-seat mainstage theatre, rehearsal hall,…
![]()
Northlight Theatre Signage Installed at Future Evanston Home
Construction continues to progress on the future home of Northlight Theatre in downtown Evanston, with the installation of the building’s new exterior signage marking another exciting project milestone. Eckenhoff Saunders is serving as lead architect for the transformative new theater facility, which will provide Northlight Theatre with a modern new home designed to support performances,…
![Nortlight Theatre is returning to downtown Evanston]()
Northlight Theatre’s New Home Continues to Rise in Downtown Evanston
Construction continues to move forward on Northlight Theatre’s long-anticipated new home at 1012 Church Street in downtown Evanston. The project marks a major milestone for the celebrated theater company as it prepares to return to Evanston after decades in Skokie. Designed as a vibrant new cultural destination, the new facility will provide Northlight with a…
![]()
Northlight Theatre’s Return to Evanston Featured in Chicago Reader
A recent Chicago Reader article explores new and expanding theater venues across the Chicago region, including Northlight Theatre’s return to Evanston. Eckenhoff Saunders is serving as the lead designer for Northlight Theatre’s new home, supporting the company’s next chapter while continuing its long-standing presence in the community. Read the full article in the Chicago Reader
![Nortlight Theatre is returning to downtown Evanston]()
A Look Inside the New Northlight Theatre
Northlight Theatre is entering an exciting new chapter as construction continues on its long-anticipated return to downtown Evanston. Eckenhoff Saunders is proud to be leading the design effort for the new, purpose-built home, supporting the continued growth and evolution of this beloved Evanston institution. After years of planning and fundraising, the project is now visibly…
![]()
Northlight Theatre Breaks Ground
Principal Craig Smith, AIA (pictured left in black hard hat), attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Northlight Theatre, which plans to open their new performing arts facility in downtown Evanston in 2026. The project involves acquiring and demolishing two vacant buildings on Church Street near downtown Evanston and constructing a new 280-seat, thrust proscenium mainstage theatre,…
![]()
Northlight Theatre announces groundbreaking for long-awaited Evanston theater
Northlight Theatre was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune announcing the upcoming groundbreaking of their soon to be new home in downtown Evanston. This long-awaited project marks a transformative chapter for the arts community, bringing a state-of-the-art cultural destination to the heart of Evanston. This new facility will not only serve as a beacon for…
![]()
Northlight Theater Returning to Evanston
Northlight Theatre was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune after receiving a $3M donation to help the organization meet its overall project budget goal for a new performing arts center in the heart of downtown Evanston. Eckenhoff Saunders is teaming with Northlight Theatre as lead architect, planner, and interior designer on this exciting project. Learn…
![]()
Northlight Theatre Receives $2M in Funding
Evanston City Council voted Monday to allocate $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Northlight Theatre. The money will support the construction of a new performing arts center in downtown Evanston. This recent Daily Northwestern article discusses the ongoing project. Eckenhoff Saunders is proud to be the architect for this important community…
![]()
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…
