LJC has completed the adaptive reuse of the former Loyal Casket Factory at 148 S. California Ave. in Chicago’s East Garfield Park, transforming the historic industrial building into a performing arts center and community hub for nonprofit BandWith Chicago.

The project delivers a permanent home for BandWith’s drumline, dance, choral, sound engineering and multigenerational community programs. “Every aspect of the project was guided by BandWith’s needs, ensuring the space serves students, families and community members today and for years to come,” said Nicholas Moen, associate principal at LJC. “Revitalizing a century-old building in the process made the project even more meaningful.”

With the opening of the new center, BandWith will now serve 1,000 youth and community members annually, with room to grow. In addition to after-school programming, the new facility will introduce job training, mentorship, studio apprenticeships and employment pathways.