Phase I Renovation Project Updates
Thank you for visiting the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Phase I Renovation Project update page. We have set this page up for our neighbors and friends to find the most up-to-date information on what we're doing, project timelines, and possible inconveniences.
Please come back often to stay updated on our renovation progress. We thank you for your support!
Project Overview
The Phase I exterior envelope work at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is intended to include the replacement of the existing shingled roof and repairs of the exterior brick and stone masonry. Phase 1 of the project is estimated to take 8 weeks with a start date of May 1, 2023.
The project team consists of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church as the Owner, Oliver Construction Services, Inc. (MBE certified) is serving as the general contractor and masonry restoration contractor, Knickerbocker Roofing and Paving, Inc. is serving as the roofing contractor, REVIVE Architecture, LLC (WBE certified) is serving as the third-party architect, Midwest Management Services, LLC (woman-owned) is serving as the Owner Representative, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. is serving as the project engineer.
The exterior envelope work is funded with the City of Chicago Adopt-A-Landmark Grant, the National Trust for Historic Preservation Preserving Black Churches grant, and the generous donations from our members and friends.
Renovation Information
as of April 22, 2023
- Phase 1
- The stair tower will be built on Thursday, April 27th; rain date is the 28th.
- Equipment will be placed in the parking lot corner on April 27th. Will be onsite for 8 weeks.
- Dumpster will be delivered on Monday, May 1st. Will be onsite for 8 weeks. ***No community dumpling allowed.
- Roof tear-off begins on Monday, May 1st.
- End of Phase 1: June 30, 2023 (weather permitting)
24-Hour Community Hotline
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church has set up a 24-hour hotline for our neighbors to report security concerns or renovation project-related complaints. The hotline number is 312.600.8784. You are able to leave a voice message or send a text.
Ebenezer's Rich History
Home to the first modern gospel choir in the United States and known for its distinctive form and fine acoustics, Bronzeville's Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is also awarded Chicago landmark status by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
A cultural treasure, the Classical Revival-style building was built in 1899 and represents a grand alpha and omega: the birthplace of gospel music and the final work of legendary architect Dankmar Adler. Originally known as Isaiah Temple, it was purchased by Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in 1921 to serve the area's growing African-American community. Under the direction of musical pioneer Professor Thomas A. Dorsey the very first gospel choir was formed which played a key role in the development of this new American art form.
The building is associated with the careers of noted gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, Dinah Washington, Sallie Martin, and many others.
