A former dollar store in West Ridge would be redeveloped as the permanent home of American Blues Theater through $2.5 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance proposed to City Council today by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

The $7.1 million project at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave. would reconfigure the 10,700-square-foot building as a 148-seat theater and a 40-seat studio space. The project would also include a lobby, box office, concessions and exterior parking.

The project is expected to create and retain 10 permanent jobs, along with six temporary construction jobs.

Founded in 1985, American Blues Theater is the second oldest professional ensemble theater in Chicago. Its plays are currently performed in leased spaces across the city.