Historic Bronzeville institution advances $18 million restoration and expansion project to preserve Black artistic heritage for future generations.
The historic South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) will mark a significant milestone in its transformation with a beam raising ceremony on Friday, October 23, 2026, celebrating progress on an ambitious $18 million restoration and expansion project in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
The celebration will take place at the Center’s longtime home, 3831 S. Michigan Avenue, bringing together donors, artists, dignitaries and community leaders to witness the topping off of a new addition that promises to reshape one of the nation’s most historically significant Black cultural institutions.
The event will begin at 9:45 a.m. with breakfast and beam signing, followed by welcome remarks at 10:20 a.m. A reception and tours of the construction project will follow.
Founded in 1940, the South Side Community Art Center has served as a cultural cornerstone for more than eight decades, providing a welcoming space for Black artists to create, exhibit their work and connect with the community.
Established during the Works Progress Administration era, the Center remains the only WPA-era Black art center in the country still operating at its original location under its original mission. Its history includes generations of artists and cultural leaders who helped shape Chicago’s artistic identity.
South Side Community Art Center
An $18 Million Investment in Black Art and Culture
The construction project is part of Black Art Rising: A Campaign for the South Side Community Art Center, an $18 million fundraising initiative designed to restore the institution’s historic building, expand its facilities and strengthen its long-term sustainability.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, the redevelopment will more than double the Center’s usable space, increasing it from 8,038 square feet to 18,211 square feet.
The expansion will introduce modern exhibition galleries, improved collection and archival storage, flexible classrooms, meeting areas and additional community programming spaces. New outdoor gathering areas and a rooftop terrace will offer opportunities for public events, cultural celebrations and artistic collaboration.
The campaign also prioritizes preserving the character of the historic building, including its cherished Burroughs Gallery and Ballroom, while introducing improvements that support contemporary exhibitions and educational programming.
South Side Community Art Center
Honoring History While Building for the Future
Designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Future Firm in collaboration with historic preservation architect K. Kennedy Whiters, the project seeks to balance preservation with innovation.
The restoration will protect the architectural character of the Center while creating a more accessible, energy-efficient environment for visitors, artists and staff.
Accessibility improvements will include ADA-compliant spaces designed to accommodate visitors of varying abilities. Sustainable building features and upgrades to storage facilities will also strengthen the Center’s ability to safeguard its valuable artwork and historical archives.
South Side Community Art Center
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The expansion comes as Bronzeville continues to celebrate its legacy as a center of African American creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural achievement.
For generations, SSCAC has provided a platform for established and emerging Black artists, serving not only as an exhibition venue but also as an educational resource and a gathering place for artistic expression.
The October 23 beam raising represents more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes an investment in preserving Black history while ensuring that future generations have access to the resources, facilities and opportunities needed to advance artistic excellence.
As construction continues toward the anticipated 2027 completion, the South Side Community Art Center’s transformation is expected to strengthen its role as a cultural destination and community anchor on Chicago’s South Side.
The ceremony will also recognize the donors, supporters and community partners whose contributions are helping turn the vision of an expanded cultural institution into reality.
For more information about the restoration project and the Black Art Rising campaign, visit www.sscartcenter.org.