A major milestone has been reached as the Barry-Hughes Performing Arts Center at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago is now fully operational. This project involved the renovation of a historic 70-year-old building, transforming it into a state-of-the-art performing arts facility. Ware Malcomb played a key role by offering interior architecture and design services. The new center includes a versatile theater space capable of hosting up to 250 guests, alongside various ancillary spaces such as an art studio, study areas, and even a student-operated café.

Located near Jackson Park in the Woodlawn neighborhood, this initiative marks another step forward in the ongoing campus improvements at Mount Carmel High School, an all-boy Catholic institution founded over a century ago. The transformation of the underused structure into a vibrant hub for creativity underscores the school’s commitment to fostering artistic expression among its students.

The renovated building features a flexible theater that serves multiple purposes, accommodating performances ranging from plays to music recitals. This space not only enhances the educational experience but also enriches the cultural life of both the school community and the surrounding area. The architects carefully preserved the original charm of the brick and wood bow-truss construction while integrating modern amenities necessary for contemporary use.

In addition to the main theater, the performing arts center boasts several other functional areas designed to inspire creativity. These include a visual arts flex space where students can experiment with different mediums, a dedicated pottery and art studio for hands-on projects, cozy study nooks for quiet reflection or group collaboration, and storage solutions tailored to meet the needs of the creative programs offered at the school.

This latest addition to Mount Carmel High School exemplifies how thoughtful renovations can breathe new life into older buildings, creating inspiring environments that support diverse forms of learning and self-expression. By investing in facilities like the Barry-Hughes Performing Arts Center, the institution continues to uphold its mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in today’s world.