The Center for International Exhibition and Performance since 1987
We are thrilled to announce the signing of the purchase contract for the former Elliott Donnelley Center in Chicago’s south side neighborhood of Bronzeville. The signing follows the State of Illinois Capital Grant bestowed upon the non –profit organization and kicks off the official launch of the Capital Campaign.
The Campaign for the New HotHouse is an ongoing development plan to adequately and abundantly resource the acquisition and build out of the combined 32,000 sq. ft. of space into a multipurpose facility for arts and community engagement.
In June, the board authorized the purchase of historic landmark site located at 3947 and 3953 S. Michigan- a place that resonates deeply with generations of residents who frequented the youth center and continue to cherish the art works in the garden.
The completely re-purposed center will feature a performing arts center, black box theater, meeting spaces, outdoor recreational use, high end food concessions, bar, and office space. The multi-purpose facilities will serve as a catalytic hub for building alliances across grassroots communities, boost the burgeoning Southside arts corridor while intentionally serving an under resourced area of the city. The properties abut the proposed Bronzeville Trail and the Greenline CTA stop at 41st street. The award-winning architectural firm DMAC is leading the design and construction of the site.
Voted “Best of Chicago”, for more than 36 years, HotHouse has been a leading arts presenter in the City of Chicago and has a national and international reputation as one of the country’s premiere presenters of jazz and world music. It previously operated popular cultural centers in Wicker Park and in the South Loop where it welcomed more than 70,000 patrons a year to its programs.
The launch of the Capital Campaign leads with Phase One - a board led initiative to engage long- time donors and supporters in the “SUMMER 70 – “ESCROW A- GO- GO”.
This summertime campaign will underwrite the escrow payments for the acquisition of the Donnelley Center and support staff expansion. “Summer 70” will connect with supporters through special events, via the HotHouse website and social media communications. Altogether, the project completed is estimated to be completed in early 2026 and cost 8 million dollars.