The expansion of Evanston SPACE and Union Pizzeria, 1245 Chicago Ave., got the green light Tuesday after the City Council voted unanimously to approve the zoning ordinance change requested by the businesses.
Evanston SPACE, which has long existed to the east of the restaurant as an accessory, is eyeing an expansion as an independent performance venue.
Traditionally, the music venue and the restaurant in the Third Ward have shared an entryway as well as bathrooms. The renovation and expansion will give SPACE a separate entrance and more amenities, including a lobby bar, restrooms, a coat check and a patio area.
The proposed expansion is a move to enhance the business, Jake Samuels, executive director of Evanston SPACE, said after a community meeting in January.
A rendering shows the planned addition to the existing Union Pizzeria/Evanston SPACE building (visible at left), with a new separate entrance for SPACE and an outdoor patio for the restaurant. Credit: K2 Studio 
A floor plan shows the planned new layout for Union Pizzeria and Evanston SPACE, with outdoor dining (lower left) for the restaurant and a new lobby, restrooms and patio space for SPACE. Credit: K2 Studio
Applicant Hana Samuels of Blue Star Properties requested amendments to Section 6-9-2-3 of the city code.
The Land Use Commission approved changes to zoning ordinances 38-O-23 and 39-O-23 on Feb. 22, and referred the issue to City Council, which gave SPACE the go-ahead to become an official performance entertainment venue as defined by city code.
Looking forward to see this development! Shows at SPACE always enjoyable! Class act in many ways.
What has become of the fountains in “fountain square”? I can’t believe that things have so mismanaged that this considerable expenditure of some three years ago has not been fixed! What is the City Counsel doing about this?
Fix fountain square.sue the contractor.and have proper oversight on all city projects.to move the farmers market to fountain square is another bad management of city funds.