ESD Plays Role in Steppenwolf Theatre Expansion

While the completion of the new $54 million theatre campus takes center stage, ESD takes a well-deserved bow for providing the mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and fire protection design and implementation for the new facility.

ESD’s relationship with Chicago’s award-winning theatre group began in the early 1990s and continues with the completion of the Liz and Eric Lefkofsky Arts and Education Center. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the project was recently completed after several years of development. The new facility includes an outside lounge, a two-story atrium lobby, wine bar, and a teen loft area. At its heart is the 400-seat Ensemble Theatre in-the-round space in Honor of Helen Zell, which replaces the old Upstairs Theatre which is being reclaimed for rehearsal space.

This is the latest of three independent projects over several years ESD has provided with multiple project delivery approaches. The renovated Steppenwolf Theatre campus is comprised of three adjacent buildings dominating a block of prime commercial real estate in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the Near North Side.

ESD is an active community participant in its pursuit of improving society through the built environment. For more information about the company’s mission and values, visit our website.

For more information about ESD services, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection, contact Practice Leader Andrew Lehrer.