The future Northlight Theatre is growing out of a flat expanse at 1012 Church St., sandwiched between existing structures and pedestrian, bike and car traffic.

Northlight staff, trustees, supporters, and community leaders joined us for a celebratory groundbreaking on March 25, 2025

Northlight Theatre staged a groundbreaking for its new location at 1012 Church St. in downtown Evanston Tuesday. The new theater is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. Executive Director Tim Evans said the new site “in the heart of a revitalized downtown Evanston” is a “long-awaited homecoming” for the theater.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE: The goal is in sight for Northlight Theatre as the theater company seeks $25 million for phase one of the construction of its new theater at 1012-16 Church Street in downtown Evanston.

EVANSTON ROUNDTABLE: The start date for the construction of the Northlight Theatre in Evanston got a boost with a recent $3 million donation by the Finnegan family. Talking about the gift, Paul Finnegan said, “It’s time to bring Northlight home.”

EVANSTON NOW: The gift brings funds raised for Northlight’s planned new theatre building at 1012-16 Church St. in downtown Evanston to over $20 million, within reach of its pre-construction goal of $24 million.

Northlight Theatre’s return to Evanston will take a few more years, Executive Director Tim Evans told the RoundTable, as construction on the new theatre is expected to finish in the third quarter of 2026.

Over 100 individuals representing a broad range of Evanston businesses attended Northlight Theatre’s community event at Five & Dime on March 13.