In the heart of Pilsen, Thalia Hall is planning an exciting expansion to add more dining space and make the theater more accessible. Thalia Hall, located at 1811 S Allport Street, will be adding a two-story building that will improve dining options and make it easier for everyone to enjoy events. This project is led by 16 On Center (16OC), a local entertainment company that has been working to keep Thalia Hall a popular community spot while keeping its historic charm.
Thalia Hall was built in 1892 by John Dusek as a public meeting hall and theater for Chicago's growing population. Over the years, Pilsen’s population changed from mostly Irish to Czech and other central European groups after a cholera outbreak. Thalia Hall became a key part of the community. The building closed in the 1960s, became a landmark in 1985, and was brought back to life in 2013 by Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden from 16OC.
Today, Thalia Hall is a popular concert venue and a place for food and drinks. It has eight apartments on the top floors and several ground-floor spaces, including the Tack Room piano bar, Punch House cocktail lounge, and the new Mariscos San Pedro. This mix of residential, entertainment, and dining makes Thalia Hall special in Pilsen.
The new plans for Thalia Hall include building a two-story addition on a vacant lot just south of the venue, at 1811 S Allport Street. The local design firm K2 Studio is in charge of the plans. The addition will include:
- New Wall Openings and an Elevator: The new building will be connected to Thalia Hall with new wall openings for easier access. An elevator will be added to make the balcony seating in the theater more accessible for everyone. This is an important step in making Thalia Hall better for all visitors.
- Ground Floor Dining Space: The ground floor of the new building will expand the dining area for Mariscos San Pedro, the seafood restaurant at Thalia Hall. It will include a covered outdoor patio, adding about 1,300 square feet of outdoor space. This means more comfortable outdoor dining, especially during warmer months.
- Second-Floor Storage: The second floor will be used as storage space for the venue. This will help keep the theater and dining areas organized and running smoothly.
The new building will be set back from Allport Street, leaving room for outdoor seating and dining. This design keeps the neighborhood's look and feel while making the building more useful.
The expansion needed several zoning changes to move forward. A rezoning was approved last year, allowing 16OC to build on the vacant lot south of Thalia Hall. More zoning changes were needed to build closer to the rear property line, and the rear property setback variation was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals in August.
Even though zoning approvals are complete, the timeline for construction is still not clear. Thalia Hall’s attorney, Janet M. Stengle, and 16OC owner Bruce Finkelman have not announced a start date yet.
The expansion will improve Thalia Hall without changing its existing attractions. These parts of Thalia Hall will not be affected:
Tack Room Piano Bar: The piano bar will continue to offer live music and a cozy setting for guests.
Punch House Cocktail Lounge: Located downstairs, Punch House will keep serving its popular craft cocktails without any changes.
Theater: The concert venue will remain the same, but the new elevator will make the balcony seating easier for everyone to access.
Chicago Yimby reports that this expansion is not just about adding more space; it is about making Thalia Hall better for the community. By adding more dining space for Mariscos San Pedro, the venue will be able to serve more guests and offer a unique outdoor dining experience. The new patio and outdoor seating will make the area lively, especially on warm summer nights.
Adding an elevator is also a big improvement, making sure the theater is accessible for everyone. This change shows Thalia Hall's commitment to making sure everyone can enjoy the events and shows at the venue.
While the project has the approvals it needs, there are still challenges ahead. One challenge is the limited setbacks, which needed special approval from the city. The small amount of space means that careful planning is needed to make sure the new structure fits well with the historic building.
Another challenge is the uncertain timeline. Without a clear start date, it is hard to say when the expanded facilities will be ready. However, with the dedication of 16OC, the project is expected to move forward in a way that respects the history of Thalia Hall while adding new energy to the space.
The planned expansion of Thalia Hall is great news for both the venue and the Pilsen community. By adding more dining space, improving accessibility, and keeping the historic charm, 16 On Center is making sure that Thalia Hall stays an important part of Chicago's culture.
For people in the commercial construction field, this project shows the challenge of balancing modern upgrades with historic preservation. Adding new parts to a landmark building takes creativity, respect for the past, and a clear vision for the future. Thalia Hall’s expansion shows how thoughtful design can make historic spaces more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
As Thalia Hall continues to host concerts, dining, and community events, this expansion will help the venue serve even more people while staying true to its history. The mix of old and new makes this project a great example of adapting historic buildings for modern use, right in the heart of Pilsen.