EAST CHICAGO | Work began in earnest Wednesday to transform the decrepit but historic Indiana Harbor public library into a modern performing arts center.
A restoration timetable for the near century-old structure calls for its reopening next summer as a haven for arts education, dance, music and theater, and a centerpiece for the wider revitalization of the North Harbor area.
"This project isn't going to happen, it is happening," said James Haugh, deacon at nearby St. John Cantius Church and co-chairman of the library restoration initiative.
Built in 1913 through an endowment from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, the library at 136th Street and Grand Boulevard is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, but has sustained severe deterioration since closing 25 years ago.
The nonprofit Carnegie Performing Arts Association was formed in 2005 to partner with the city for the facility's estimated $4 million rebirth as a meeting place for artists, corporate gatherings and the community.
"All monies allocated for this project will be used exclusively for this project," said Michael Ebert, manager of Safety-Kleen Oil Recovery Co.'s East Chicago plant and restoration co-chairman.
Immediate attention is being given to stabilizing the building's brick exterior and replacing windows, doors and the center's classic tile roof, which is expected to take three months.
As part of the city's sweeping North Harbor redevelopment plan, the performing arts center joins the reconstruction of the Main Street-Broadway corridor and renovation of adjacent Nuñez and Callahan parks in a coordinated effort to bring new homes and businesses to the community.
The city is making a major investment toward the renovation costs, said Corporation Counsel Carmen Fernandez, and the nonprofit association is conducting a capital campaign to secure an additional $2 million through corporate contributions, historic tax credits, and other state and federal sources.
For information about helping the Carnegie Performing Arts Center, call Lauren Bukovac, campaign coordinator, at (219) 558-0383.
