Expanding a Creative Nexus within a Historic Landmark

Lookingglass has defined regional theatre through more than 35 years of groundbreaking, collaborative and dynamic storytelling, with the mission to redefine the limits of theatrical experience, and to render it exhilarating, inspirational, and accessible to all. It is an ensemble-based incubator, integrating a physical and improvisational rehearsal process with training in performance, dance, music, and circus arts.

After more than twenty years at home in the pumping station on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Lookingglass reopens its doors, having both reaffirmed its mission and expanded its public-facing footprint, to nurture creative expression in the form of a growing, vital, and inclusive arts platform.

The expansion marks a transformative moment for the company within this historic and cultural landmark, uniting mainstage and city with a street front entrance, vibrant lobby, front of house support spaces, daytime café and theatre bar, flexible rehearsal, education and outreach space.

The terrazzo floor, a foundational gesture for the project, both marks and stands the test of time. In it are inscribed paths that reference ancient celestial maps designed to help visitors navigate from points of entry along Pearson Street, past old public utilities, new public amenities, along a new ceremonial stair and ramp, to the inner lobby and mainstage beyond.

At the lobby’s core stands a glowing amber volume encircled by terrazzo inlay and supported with a pipe grid that extends from floor to roof, referencing both the language of the historic pumping station and the flexible ‘machine for theatre’ realized for Lookingglass in 2003. Part scrim, part lantern, the hand-cast amber fiberglass enclosure invites all to move through and around the essential program contained within; box office, coat check, and universal restrooms, each designed to streamline use and further enhance the experience for all patrons.

The amber core forms the backdrop for expanded programming: A full café and bar provide the promise of a new revenue stream, as does the entire street-facing lobby which can for the first time, accommodate the full 240-person audience for pre and post functions, as well as independent programming for purposes of rehearsal, education, and outreach.

Art and technology merge to play a key role in Lookingglass Theatre’s new public-facing identity. Text embedded throughout the architectural environment guides all toward the theatre and its amenities. It frames focus: The word ‘LOOK’ embedded in a centrally located projection surface provides the imperative to interact with a floor-to-ceiling billboard celebrating work by Lookingglass and the community supporting its mission.

Artfully placed neon signs glow with the name of the company and the donors for which the mainstage is now named. They foreground the warmth of the renovated space expressed in each new material from furnishings to bar face, to floor and wall surface, to the glowing core at the heart of this project. Each are intended to embrace both patron and player, in an expression of this beating theatrical heart in Chicago.

Driven by a fast-paced timeline fueled by grant funding, this renovation coincides with their first new show since COVID, marking a meaningful milestone in the company’s evolution.

Architecture: Working Group 1 + Wheeler Kearns Architects
Structural Engineer: Silman / TYLin
Owner’s Representative: RLE Partners
General Contractor: Norcon
Projection Design: Liviu Pasare
Neon Artist: Clare Brew