What’s That Building? A Woodlawn Gem Transformed From Synagogue To Arts Club episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 29 MIN

What’s That Building? A Woodlawn Gem Transformed From Synagogue To Arts Club

from In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

There’s hardly a better example of how Chicago’s old buildings keep finding new life than a three-story place on Champlain Avenue in Woodlawn, just half a block south of Washington Park. Built back in 1923, the building has been a synagogue, then home to several Christian congregations. Today, it’s something entirely different. Part single-family home, part creative workspace, part artists club — and still a work in progress. Even some of the original materials are being reused. In the Loop gets a tour of the space from Dennis Rodkin, Crain’s Chicago Business senior real estate reporter, and Amber Ginsburg, artist, teacher and civic director of the Narrow Bridge Arts Club. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

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What’s That Building? A Woodlawn Gem Transformed From Synagogue To Arts Club

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This episode was published on January 29, 2026.

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There’s hardly a better example of how Chicago’s old buildings keep finding new life than a three-story place on Champlain Avenue in Woodlawn, just half a block south of Washington Park. Built back in 1923, the building has been a synagogue, then...

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