OLD TOWN — Second City is preparing to expand to the former AMC Loews Theater at Piper's Alley, more than doubling its footprint in Old Town.
The famed comedy center announced the expansion Tuesday morning, stating the multimillion dollar project will begin immediately.
The 25,000-square-foot expansion's focus is on the Second City Training Center, adding new classrooms, two student theaters, a screening room, a student resource center, student lounge, bar and special events areas.
"We are very excited to enhance our students' experience with the development of this new space,” said Andrew Alexander, CEO and executive producer of The Second City Inc. “This will give the opportunity for more student performances in front of audiences, resources to enhance their education, places to work and collaborate, and program-specific materials and technology in classrooms."
The area where Second City is expanding was formerly occupied by the four-screen AMC Loews Piper's Alley movie theater, 1608 N. Wells, which has been closed since May 2011.
The expansion will more than double Second City's footprint at North Avenue and Wells Street from 20,300 square feet to 45,300 square feet.
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