Cheers to New Beginnings in 2025

As we welcome 2025, many of us look forward to embracing new experiences and finding ways to give back to our communities. Today’s story from The 78 takes us to an exciting and transformative project in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood: the revitalization of the historic Preston Bradley Center at 941 W. Lawrence Ave.

Under the leadership of Dr. Dan and Dr. Karla Ivankovich, this landmark building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is being reimagined as a dynamic hub for health, culture, and education.

Preserving History, Fostering Community

Acquired in October 2022 for $2 million, the Preston Bradley Center is undergoing a multi-phase renovation that blends architectural preservation with a mission to serve the community. Key elements of the project include:

• Health Services

  : Comprehensive physical and behavioral health care provided by the OnePatient Global Health Initiative, led by Dr. Karla Ivankovich.

• Cultural Programs

  : A focus on music and the arts, including blues concerts, educational workshops, and a potential blues-themed museum.

• Youth and Educational Outreach

  : Programs offering mentorship, arts education, and health initiatives, such as the Blues in the Schools program and partnerships with local institutions like Uplift High School.

Architectural Heritage and a New Life

Designed in 1926 by J.E.O. Skidmore, the Preston Bradley Center boasts a 50,000-square-foot interior, including a 1,300-seat theater, an art gallery, and various community spaces. A highlight of the building is a Louis Grell mural depicting a diverse community gathered around Jesus, which will remain a central feature as part of the preservation efforts.

Immediate Impact, Long-Term Vision

While full renovations are underway, critical community services have already been restored. Church services, a soup kitchen, a homeless shelter, and wellness programs are now operating on-site. Plans for a fully realized cultural and community center aim to make a lasting impact on Uptown’s future.

As the Preston Bradley Center embarks on this new chapter, it stands as a testament to the power of vision and community investment in preserving the past while building a brighter future.

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