A New City design studio will double the size of its design and production space through a $1.67 million Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant approved by City Council today. 

Bridgewater Studios and South Oakley Ventures LLCs will use the grant to rehabilitate a 50,000-square-foot building at 4834 S. Oakley Ave. for offices and fabrication space. The approximately $2.85 million project will include timber truss repairs, asbestos removal, tuck pointing, window replacement, HVAC upgrades, landscaping, and fence repair.

The company plans to add up to 20 new, permanent jobs at the location, in addition to maintaining an approximately 50-person facility at 1719 W. 35th St.

Up to $250,000 of the grant will be allocated as a local hiring bonus. 

Bridgewater Studios has worked with the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the film and television industry, and other clients. The company also trains and hires disadvantaged and unemployed people through the Jane Adams Resource Center, the Greater West Town Training Program, and other partners.

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