After decades in its 15,000 sf space on Armitage Avenue, the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music faced a decision: renovate or find a new home. They ended up doing both by purchasing a public library building in Chicago and adapting the historic structure for their use as a teaching and performance destination.

Schuler Shook joined the design team from the start, working through programming issues as the library was converted into a folk music school anchored by a new 400-seat concert hall complete with a balcony. We helped shape the performance space and designed the technical systems, which include an overhead catwalk for ease of flexibility.