Renovation permit issued for MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism at 4241 W. Washington

A renovation permit has been issued for the MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism at 4241 W. Washington. Planned by the MAAFA Redemption Project, the project will redevelop the former St. Barnabus Episcopal Church and the attached church hall. The project is part of the Sankofa Wellness Village which won the 2022 Chicago Prize and includes the now under construction Sankofa Wellness Center.

Designed by Converge Architecture, the church space will be renovated and converted into the MAAFA Center for Arts and Activism, housing MAAFA Redemption Project programming, allowing for the expansion of services, and serving as the arts hub of West Garfield Park.

The main sanctuary space will provide flexible arts and instruction spaces; meeting rooms; a break room; new toilets; libraries for adults and children; workout space including basketball and weights areas all within the incredible volume of the church and side aisles. Movie screenings, spoken word and musical performances, dance classes and engagement parties can all happen here. The underutilized and poorly maintained rear building will become an event space, providing covered open-air space to showcase the talents of the neighborhood and beyond.

With the renovation permit issued, general contractor Berglund Construction can begin work within the church building. Completion is expected sometime in 2026.