Tube Factory expansion plans to bring a contemporary art museum to the city

Nonprofit creative organization

Big Car Collaborative announced that its home base, Tube Factory artspace in Garfield Park, plans to quadruple its footprint by adding 40,000 sqft for the arts next to its current location.

The organization aims to expand its reputation as a contemporary art hub by bringing together artist-serving + community-facing amenities under one roof.

The redevelopment of the 125-year-old former dairy barn and industrial space will include:

• Galleries and exhibit space
• 18 artist studios
• A flexible events space with a bar
• A studio that will house Big Car’s WQRT 99.1 FM radio station
• A culinary arts area with kitchen space
• Offices
• A cafe and lounge area
• Five storefronts for creative businesses

The building is expected to open in 2025, but the community is invited to tour the under-construction building today from 6 to 10 p.m. at the opening of the exhibit “Ekvnv (Land), the Sacred Mother from Which We Came,” by Tulsa, Oklahoma-based artist Elisa Harkins.