Located at 4730 N Sheridan Ave in the Uptown Neighborhood of Chicago, CircEsteem, a social circus that builds underserved youth’s self-confidence and creates safe and diverse communities through the training of circus arts seeks to renovate the building while working to restore par ts of the potentially historic eastern façade. JGMA has under taken the restoration in three major categories: removal of the ceramic tile mosaic covering the lower half of the eastern façade, masonry Restoration; Terra Cotta and Brick, new windows both on the first and second floors. Sit ting within a landmark district, the new building will continue the legacy of the historic former theater by restoring the original theater façade from the early 1960s, while providing youth with a safe and inclusive space to reach their full potential.
Inspired by the traditional circus tent, the new design will serve CircEsteem’s mission by representing the journey of building up self-esteem of the youth participants throughout their time in the program. Our team created a design with participants in mind, utilizing a gradient of warm colors to symbolize that journey and show inclusivity within the young participants. The two-story structure will feature training rooms, support spaces, including tutoring areas, as well as open off ice areas.