$4M project kicks off to convert Little Village firehouse into Yollocalli Arts Reach facility
CHICAGO — A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning on a $4 million project that will turn an old firehouse in the city’s Little Village neighborhood into a center of free arts and cultural programs.
The National Museum of Mexican Art in April acquired the decommissioned firehouse at West 23rd and South Whipple streets and, boosted by a record donation by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, are converting the space into the second Yollocalli Arts Reach facility. Yollocalli is the museum’s arts and culture program that serves about 250 young people each year.
“With this fire station, we envision more youth having more opportunities, arts, digital media, music, performing arts, broadcasting, environmental and health programming and leadership opportunities,” said Yollocalli director Vanessa Sanchez. “We envision a creative space for the community to share and grow with us.”
Community leaders said it was the 2021 death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who was shot and killed nearby by a Chicago police officer, that became a call-to-action to create something positive with the space and in the community.
“We need more safe spaces. We need arts. We need mentoring. We need community healing, and we need the Yollocalli fire station,” said Pastor Matt DeMateo, the executive director of New Life Centers.
Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the conversion of the 8,600-square-foot building, saying the project shows the positivity that can come from community, government and business leaders working together to empower young people.
The new facility is expected to open in early 2025.
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