Community Artists Live and Work Building to Usher In New Wave of Economic Development

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    New Holistic Cultural Center Showcases Artist Live/Work Spaces, Performance Theater, Art Gallery and Latin American Wine Bar Project Transforms Long-Abandoned Buildings on 2700 Block of West Division Street Alderman Roberto Maldonado of the 26th Ward, PRCC Executive Director, Jose Lopez, Richard Sciortino, Principal of Brinshore Development, LLC, and Urban Works Architects and James J. Banks, Chairman, Belmont Bank will officially unveil the new Paseo Boricua Arts Building on Monday, February 23 joined by more than 100 local community residents and civic leaders. The greatly anticipated project will transform seven buildings on the 2700 Blotck of West Division Street, including the former site of Ashland Sausage Company vacant since 2005-into the first-ever cultural center in Chicago with a holistic focus on promoting the talents of local artists in various media. The center will offer 15 live/work residences for artists and their families; a 99 seat multi-media theater with film, theatre, and concert performances; and a nearly 3,000 square foot art gallery with a retail component allowing resident and local artists to sell their artworks. A piano lounge showcasing wines from Latin America and spirits from the Caribbean will become an anchor for nightlife on the Paseo Boricua corridor. With assistance from the Division Street Business Development Association (DSBDA) over twenty local artists from diverse arts backgrounds have prepared business plans that will help them to maintain sustainable artist spaces and become future tenants of the building. For over forty years, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) – under the leadership of Jose E. López – has been dedicated to preserving cultural identity and expanding the Paseo Boricua Cultural and Commercial corridor on Division Street, the heart of the Puerto Rican community. The Paseo Boricua Arts Building strengthens the well-developed ecosystem of this business and cultural district, bringing further economic stimulation, stability and community pride. Alderman Roberto Maldonado, 26th Ward, Jose E. López, Executive Director, Puerto Rican Cultural Center. Richard Sciortino, Principal, Brinshore Development, LLC Urban Works Architects, and James J. Banks, Chairman, Belmont Bank Monday, February 23, 10:30 a.m. Speaking Program 10:45 a.m.

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