Chicago, Illinois
DuSable Museum of African American History Expansion
Expansion planning for Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History evaluated the adaptive reuse of the historic Roundhouse for event, restaurant, retail, and museum-related uses.
Situation
The DuSable Museum of African American History evaluated expansion opportunities to enhance its programming and introduce additional event, restaurant, and retail space. The proposed expansion centered on the adaptive reuse of the historic 61,000-square-foot Roundhouse, located adjacent to the current museum campus.
Approach
Hunden Partners assessed market demand, revenue potential, and the feasibility of developing new facilities at both the existing museum site and the nearby Roundhouse. Hunden evaluated the potential for a multipurpose event facility at the site, along with supporting food and beverage and retail components. The work included analysis of local event demand, competitive facilities, and nearby commercial activity to determine the viability of expanded uses. The study also considered interim use of the Roundhouse as a temporary event venue prior to full museum redevelopment.
Impact
Hunden was re-engaged in 2021 to update market conditions and refine feasibility assumptions based on an evolving program and changing market environment.
