Anna Castellani, founder of Local Culture Management, is known for seeing what a city has to offer, seeing what the city needs, and creating spaces that enhance and reflect the community around them. Especially when it comes to food. Heralded as the unsung hero of New York's restaurant scene, Castellani is known for her work on projects like DeKalb Market Hall, ANA Bar & Eatery, and The Hugh. Recently she brought those super powers to Chicago to transform the old Urbanspace at 15 W Washington St into something that better mirrors the neighborhood around it and the needs and wants of the people who enter its doors. Castellani is in the process of turning Washington Hall into the new go-to stop in the Loop. Below, find out why Washington Hall goes beyond dining, keeping the history of the building, and the all-local offerings.
Washington Hall was previously another food hall, Urbanspace, what prompted the redo?
Acadia Realty Trust saw an opportunity to reimagine the existing food hall to better serve and reflect the unique and diverse culinary landscape of Chicago. Our goal was to create a new space that felt more integrated with the local community and offered a wider range of experiences. We wanted to build on the foundation and bring in fresh ideas and concepts that would resonate more deeply with the residents and visitors of Chicago beyond the expected.
What makes Washington Hall unique?
Washington Hall involves vendors from the Chicago area, so the food available reflects the diverse range of cuisine of the local community. The location is also designed to be a hub for cultural and social interactions, with space dedicated to live performances, and community events. This multifaceted approach ensures that Washington Hall is not just a place to eat, but a vibrant part of the community's daily life and cultural fabric. It’s a beautiful '20s former Woolworth's that has great bones. Our job is to elevate the visual experience with a fantastic central bar, called The Woolworth Bar, and yet to make the space very welcoming.
Dining and gathering in a food hall is a much different experience than going to a stand-alone restaurant. What is it about this type of project that gets you excited?
It’s always exciting to see how food halls can bring people together in a dynamic and interactive environment. Unlike stand-alone restaurants, food halls offer a variety of dining options in one place, encouraging exploration and fostering a sense of community. The energy and diversity of experiences created by the vendors in a food hall make it a unique place where people can enjoy not just great food, but also connect with each other and experience a slice of the local culture. Our food halls are a bit different because we really invest in the vendor mix and listen to our customers. We emphasize entertainment as well so you should always find something fresh to eat or see or listen to.
I'm sure each space in the food hall has its own vibe and yet the entirety of the space needs to feel cohesive. How do you balance the individuality of each entity and yet make sure it all fits inside your vision?
We work closely with each vendor to ensure their unique identity and offerings shine while integrating them into the larger aesthetic and functional flow of the hall. Everything is about curating a mix of vendors and energy that complement each other. It should be fun.
What restaurants and bars can Chicagoans and visitors look forward to once it opens?
Washington Hall will feature a central bar called The Woolworth Bar with cocktails and great beer on tap. In addition to The Woolworth Bar, we curate a selection of local eateries that represent the best of Chicago's culinary scene, ranging from innovative new concepts to beloved local favorites. Visitors can look forward to a changing and diverse array of flavors and experiences, all under one roof.
Washington Hall is located at 15 W Washington St. The full renovation will not be complete until fall 2024. The existing space is currently open 7am to 5pm on Monday and Saturday, 7am to 7pm Tuesday through Friday, closed on Sunday. For more information on what is coming, check out Washington Hall's Instagram.
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