An adaptive reuse project in the center of downtown Evanston brought new life to a former movie palace, originally built in 1926 and notable for its size and luxury touches. The Varsity created 35 architecturally distinctive apartments within this historic building, which closed as a theater in 1980. Design elements in the new residential units include original exposed brick, tile and trusses along with modern finishes. Approximately 9,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant and retail space stretches along Sherman Avenue into Bookman’s Alley.

Building on a successful partnership with Campbell Coyle on previous investment projects, DMA is a project investor and forms part of the development team. In addition, DMA supported the ownership team with full project management services, driving design and construction with the design-build contractor and a wide-ranging group of consultants. Experts in urban design, placemaking and branding contributed to plans for a revitalized Bookman’s Alley, an art, entertainment and gathering space.