Former Urban Partnership Branch Will Become Movie Theater, Bowling Alley, Jazz Venue
A new proposal to repurpose a former Urban Partnership Bank branch in Chicago's South Side is drawing praise from its community. The new plan, created by developer Alisa Starks, would bring a four-screen movie theater on the main floor, a six-lane bowling alley in the basement and a kid-friendly restaurant and play area on the second floor. The project will be committed to local hiring and to contracting with minority- and women-owned businesses. The revised plan was roundly supported by residents at a recent community meeting, with many saying it was the type of plan they had hoped the developers would bring to the neighborhood. The plan replaces an initial proposal that envisioned bringing a McDonalds drive-thru to the location, drawing criticism from community activists.