TimeLine Theatre Company has announced that it has completed the purchase of property located at 5033–5035 North Broadway Avenue (near Argyle) in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. The property encompasses a five-story, 45,120-square-foot warehouse building plus a vacant lot near the corner of Broadway and Argyle. The sale closed on Wednesday, December 19 for $2.699 million. 

“TimeLine Theatre has been making history for more than two decades, and now it’s time to lay the foundation for our next era,” said Artistic Director PJ Powers. “We’re looking to the future to create a space where TimeLine can grow and innovate—a place that will elevate everything our audience and supporters love about TimeLine, support new artistic possibilities, and fully support our mission.”

TimeLine has long overgrown its current leased home at 615 W. Wellington, where they have been in residence since 1999. Since 2011, the company has produced one play each season at an alternate venue, including for the past seven years at Stage 773, in order to accommodate an expanding audience and subscriber base.

“It is a proud moment for TimeLine purchasing this building, a long overdue step for one of Chicago’s leading theatre companies,” said Board President Eileen LaCario.  “While the company has reached great recognition in its current location, by stepping into the Uptown neighborhood, TimeLine will have the opportunity to become a leader and partner in the community and share its mission of exploring our world through the lens of the past on a much broader scale.”

Plans include two intimate and flexible black box theatres seating approximately 250 and 150 audience members. There’s also a lot more room for the immersive lobby experiences that are a TimeLine staple.

It’s an excellent location, particularly as the city begins to grow an uptown entertainment district. There’s a massive parking structure a few doors down, quick access to Lawrence Ave, Lake Shore Drive, the CTA Red Line, and a handful of bus routes. TimeLine will join historic venues in the area like the Green Mill, Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre and the soon-to-be-renovated Uptown Theatre, but it’ll also cement a theatrical corridor on Broadway served by Steep, The Edge, City Lit, Black Ensemble, and Jackalope.

“In moving to Uptown, TimeLine joins an incredible neighborhood and a vibrant art scene,” said Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman. “We believe that arts institutions should reflect the needs of the neighborhoods they are in, and we look forward to working closely with the Uptown community to form strong, open partnerships, collaborate on shared goals and contribute another voice to one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods.”

“TimeLine Theatre is a renowned company in Chicago, and we’re excited to welcome them to the 48th Ward, joining a host of acclaimed theatre companies in our community,” said 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman. “This announcement comes after nearly two years of my office working closely with TimeLine to find the right location in our community, and it is great to see it come to fruition. They will serve as a strong anchor on the northern end of the Uptown Entertainment District, and add to the success of the Edgewater Theatre District. TimeLine’s patrons will complement the vibrancy around the Argyle business district, and the restaurants and shops in the area will add to an exciting experience for their audiences. We look forward to having TimeLine as a neighbor and partner for many decades to come.”

The total project budget is still in development but is estimated to be approximately $20 million, to be paid through a combination of private philanthropy and other sources. The project is expected to take several years to complete as the company moves through overlapping design, fundraising, and construction phases.