The 35-year-old not-for-profit company will have the South Shore site rezoned from M1-2 to C1-2 under a planned development endorsed recently by the plan commission. ETA has outgrown its current quarters across S. South Chicago Avenue, which it has occupied since 1979. The group, which provides training in the performing and cultural arts in the African-American community, drew 100,000 to its events last year, says co-founder, president and producer Abena Joan Brown.

The new building, a series of connected octagons with masonry, angled walls with African-themed chevron detailing, would be connected to the current 18,340-sf building by a pedestrian bridge spanning S. South Chicago Avenue. "This is a very, very unique project," says 42 Ward Alderman Burton Natarus. "Just look at the architecture…This is an area that could use a lot of development."

The bridge was the only element that was questioned by the plan commission, which nonetheless delivered a unanimous recommendation. "I'm aware of the challenge of bridges," says plan commission member Leon Finney. "This is a good organization and a good purpose."