PILSEN -- Thalia Hall is planning to add a two-story rear addition that will bring an elevator and extra outdoor dining space to the historical building, according to city documents.
The owners of the concert hall and entertainment complex at 1807 S. Allport St. were granted a zoning change late last year that allows for the construction of the addition on a vacant lot just south of the building, city records show.
The addition will add an elevator to serve Thalia Hall's theater, making its balcony seating more accessible, according to documents submitted to the city's zoning committee. The addition will also include about 1,300 square feet of outdoor dining space for Mariscos San Pedros, the restaurant at Thalia Hall that recently replaced the celebrated eatery Dusek's.
Renderings show the new building will be set back from Allport Street, allowing space for al fresco dining as well as seating under a covered patio. The new building would also be used for storage space, public records show.
Thalia Hall's existing restaurant, the piano bar Tack Room, lower-level cocktail spot Punch House and theater would not be impacted by the addition, according to documents.
A rezoning to allow for the addition was approved last year, but Thalia Hall's owners need further zoning relief to build the addition closer to the rear property line, records show.
Thalia Hall's owners submitted a rear property setback variation to the city's Zoning Board of Appeals on June 26, according to a public notice posted on the venue.
It is unclear when the project would start if the final zoning approval is granted. The attorney for Thalia Hall, Janet M. Stengle, declined to comment and referred Block Club's request to 16'' On Center, the entertainment and restaurant company that owns Thalia Hall as well as Empty Bottle, Longman and Eagle and the Salt Shed.
16'' On Center owner Bruce Finkelman did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
Thalia Hall was built in 1892 and closed to the public in the 1960s. It was made a landmark in 1985 and in 2013 was revived by Finkelman and partner Craig Golden.
The theater has since become a beloved concert venue and food and drink destination. Dusek's restaurant -- named after Thalia Hall founder John Dusek -- was awarded a Michelin star in 2016.
The theater complex also has eight apartments on its top floor.