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player ready...Evanston’s live entertainment scene could get a boost as SPACE, a performance venue attached to Union Pizzeria, is seeking City Council approval to expand its use.
City Council on March 27 introduced a request to add a performance entertainment venue use to the Union Pizzeria’s permitted uses. SPACE currently operates as an accessory to Union Pizzaria, at 1245 Chicago Ave., in a capacity that does not require any permit conditions, according to a City Council memo from City Planner Katie Ashbaugh.
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The venue’s success has resulted in several sold-out shows, including Kevin Morby with Erin Rae on April 4 and Destroyer with Shana Cleveland on April 29. Its owners now look to extend its ability to offer better services without necessarily increasing its capacity, according to the memo.
“The addition gives SPACES its own entrance and supporting functions, separate and apart from Union Pizzeria,” Ashbaugh wrote. “The applicant stated the addition includes a ticket booth, coat check, bathrooms and bar for SPACE guests. The applicant is also proposing an outdoor dining patio in front of the proposed addition, immediately to the south of the existing Union Pizzeria building.”
K2 Studio Architecture worked with the venue to draft the addition’s plans. According to these drafts, the existing restaurant portion would remain largely untouched. The new outdoor dining patio would include bike parking along Chicago Avenue and retractable canvas screens to provide shade to block patrons from the sun.
The Land Use Commission has put forth conditions for granting the special use permit to Union Pizzaria and SPACE. These conditions include limiting outdoor music to accessory use, adding composting to its waste management plans and closing before 11 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday through Saturday plus New Year’s Eve, according to the memo.
Outdoor accessory music is considered to be string music or jazz combos that are used for weddings and other infrequent events.
More information on SPACE and its shows can be found at evanstonspace.com.
Corey Schmidt is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.