The MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism has secured a renovation permit to transform the former St. Barnabas Episcopal Church at 4241 West Washington Boulevard in West Garfield Park. Led by the MAAFA Redemption Project, the renovation will breathe new life into the historic area.
Highlights
- A renovation permit has been issued to repurpose the former Episcopal church building.
- The revamped space will blend creative arts with social impact programming.
- Plans call for the main sanctuary to house multipurpose studios, meeting rooms, a break area, updated restrooms, and libraries for both children and adults.
Church to Be Reimagined as Arts and Community Space
The MAAFA Redemption Project intends to transform the church building into the MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism (MAC) for a strong, multi-purpose community space. Responding to community demand for creative engagement, the center will serve as a hub for both the arts and civic empowerment.
Arts, Fitness and Learning Spaces
Designed by Convergence Architecture, the church’s main sanctuary space will provide flexible arts and instruction spaces. There will be new meeting rooms, new toilets, a break room and a library for adults and children.
The expansive church interior and side aisles will be reimagined with recreational features, including a basketball court and fitness zone. Flexible spaces throughout the building will host film screenings, live performances, dance classes, and community celebrations.
While the main space will support multipurpose functions, the underused rear buildings will be converted into vibrant event venues. Once renovated, the space will offer West Garfield Park residents a welcoming venue to gather, collaborate, and share their talents.
MAC Key Piece of Sankofa Wellness Village
The center is a key part of the Sankofa Wellness Village, a $50 million initiative aimed at revitalizing West Garfield Park. Sankofa Wellness Village also won the 2022 Chicago prize, securing $10 million in funding to support work at five sites in the neighborhood.
The transformation of St. Barnabas into a vibrant community space reflects MAAFA’s ongoing commitment to health, wellness, and neighborhood engagement.
With expanded amenities and a renewed mission, the center aims to boost access to wellness services and economic opportunities for West Garfield Park residents.
