Landmarks approves Class L for Congress Theater

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved the Class L tax incentive for the redevelopment of the long-vacant Congress Theater. Located at 2135 N. Milwaukee, the historic Congress Theater sits at the corner of N. Milwaukee Avenue and N. Rockwell Street. Originally opened in 1926, Baum Revision will lead the redevelopment of the building which was originally a movie theater.

Designed by Woodhouse Tinucci Architects, the plan for the rehabilitation includes a full historic restoration to the theater, retail, and housing space. Work will restore the existing finishes without altering the layout or organization of rooms within the structure. The renovation will upgrade all of the mechanicals of the structure, including ventilation, electrical, plumbing, and the roof. New windows will be installed that will match the character of the original windows.

Beyond the theater, the property fronts the street with 13,000 square feet of retail space and two levels of residential space. Storefronts will be renovated and made to match the original storefront layouts. 16 affordable apartments will be included in the Milwaukee Ave building including studio, one-bed, and two-bedroom units. No parking will be included within the development.

The $87.5 million development will be supported by the Class L tax incentive which would create a tax abatement of $6.2 million over 12 years. With approval secured from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, the Class L incentive will now require final approval from the City Council. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and wrap up by December 2026.