CHICAGO — Its stages might not be occupied by comedians and brave audience volunteers just yet, but Second City's fire-damaged building is buzzing with construction crews and theater staff working to reopen the Chicago institution.
Two weeks ago, a fire broke out in a downstairs restaurant and destroyed an Old Town building that housed Second City's offices. The theater building next door didn't suffer any fire damage, but did receive smoke and water damage.
The theater is still closed while repairs are ongoing. Second City shows scheduled through Sept. 20 will take place at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave.
On Thursday, a Second City executive gave curious fans a virtual tour of the facility and the work being done. Tyler Alexander, vice president of digital media, assured fans that, though there is work to do, the world-renowned improv theater will be back and better than ever.
The virtual tour started in Second City's main stage, which was largely spared from damage. Still, the room is getting an overhaul, Alexander said, including new carpets and ceiling tiles.
Crews were working around props and costumes covered in plastic wrap.
"The [main] stage is in really good shape," Alexander said on the video posted to Periscope, a live streaming social media app, and was later provided to DNAinfo Chicago.
[Video by Second City]
The second, or "Etc." stage, was in worse shape, Alexander said.
"It's probably in slightly rougher shape," he said. "But we got everyone focused on the main stage so we can get that going sooner than later."
From there, Alexander led fans to the offices that were almost completely destroyed by the fire.
"That's the sky," Alexander dryly said as he pointed at a massive hole where the roof once stood.
Alexander could be seen chatting with crews asking for his input on renovations. But once he got to the part of the complex that was burned out, Alexander had to turn around and end the video.
"You gotta go," a worker said to Alexander.
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