Annex FAQ
Where is the Annex located?
The Fine Arts Building Annex Studios are located at 410 S Michigan Avenue in Chicago’s South Loop.
The Annex is located on the 3rd floor of the Fine Arts Building by way of elevator or stairs.
What can I use the Annex for?
Available for rehearsals, auditions, classes, and more, the Annex Studios at the Fine Arts Building are a unique and historic facility that can accommodate the short term needs of your company or production.
How many rehearsal spaces are available?
The Annex Studios include three unique rehearsal spaces that are available for use: Studio A, Studio B, and Studio C.
Is the Annex equipped with audio playback or wifi?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the Annex, and audio playback is available in each studio.
Is there a rehearsal piano available?
Yes. However, the rehearsal piano is only available in Studios B and C. Studio A is not equipped with a piano, and the pianos in Studio B and C cannot be moved.
Are tables, chairs, or music stands available?
The Fine Arts Building has a limited quantity of tables, chairs, and music stands that can be reserved with your license, pending availability.
How large are the spaces?
| Length | Width | Ceiling | SF | Door | Max people | |
| Entry Door | — | 3′ 11″ | 7′ 2” | — | — | — |
| Studio A | 26′ 5″ | 21′ 2” | 9′ 10″ | 750 | 2′ 9″ x 7′ 10″ | 20 |
| Studio B | 42′ 6” | 20′ 4″ | 10′ 5″ | 1050 | 5′ 8″ x 6′ 10″ | 30 |
| Studio C | 59′ 5″ | 26′ 5″ | 10′ 7″ | 1500 | 2′ 8″ x 6′ 11″ | 45 |
What is the flooring of each studio?
Studio A: Brazilian cherry wood. Sprung subfloor.
Studio B: Ash. Sprung subfloor.
Studio C: Oak. Semi-sprung subfloor.
Are there other amenities available?
Large restrooms, washer/dryer ($1.50 each), and showers are available on the fifth floor of the building. Many single stall restrooms are located on floors 4 through 10. There are no restrooms within the Annex.
During winter months, our studio spaces are equipped with forced radiator heat. Central air is available in Studio A. Air conditioning units are available in Studios B and C.
Is alcohol allowed?
The distribution or consumption of alcohol is not permitted in the Annex.
How are the spaces licensed?
Licensing can occur on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Depending on availability, custom scheduling is offered. (For example, every Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 for one month.) Extended buyouts and full lockouts of the Annex are also possible.
Rehearsal licenses last for a maximum duration of four months (16 weeks) and are renewable quarterly. For example, a license that begins in January will expire in April. To continue beyond April, a new license would need to be issued beginning in May.
What are the standard license rates?
| Hourly | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |
| Studio A | $40.00 | $320.00 | $1,500.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Studio B | $50.00 | $400.00 | $2,000.00 | $7,000.00 |
| Studio C | $60.00 | $480.00 | $2,500.00 | $9,000.00 |
Definitions
Daily: between 6 and 8 hours
Weekly: ≥ 5 days in a single week
Monthly: consecutive weeks in a month
What are the Non-Equity Company / Small Organization license rates?
| Hourly | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | |
| Studio A | $30.00 | $240.00 | $1,100.00 | $3,750.00 |
| Studio B | $40.00 | $320.00 | $1,500.00 | $5,500.00 |
| Studio C | $50.00 | $400.00 | $2,000.00 | $7,500.00 |
Definitions
Daily: between 6 and 8 hours
Weekly: ≥ 5 days in a single week
Monthly: consecutive weeks in a month
How long can a hold be placed in the calendar?
Inquirers have 10 business days to confirm use of the space. After submitting the rehearsal inquiry form and indicating that a license is desired, a temporary hold is placed for the requested dates. If the requested dates are not available, you will be notified.
After 10 days, all holds are automatically released and made available to other potential renters.
What form of payment is accepted?
We accept payment through check or credit card. Credit card payments incur a 3.5% fee, plus fifteen cents. For example, a total for a license of $100.00 paid with credit card would be $103.65.
Payment details will be included with confirmed license information. Payment must be collected in-full, no fewer than 7 days before license begins.
Are there other considerations before licensing?
Yes. Licensees of the Annex Studios are required to purchase personal liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 through the term of a license and any renewal period. Licensees must also name Fine Arts LLC, Arts Entertainment LLC, and Berger Realty Group LLC as additional insured thereunder.
What are the accessibility accommodations of the Annex?
There are four steps leading to the entrance of the Annex.
Fine Arts Building strives for equal accessibility in all its facilities. Please let us know if you or your party use a wheelchair, walker, motorized scooter, or cane, as accommodations may be possible.
What other accessibility information is available?
The Annex Studios are located on the 3rd floor of the Fine Arts Building, and are able to be reached by either elevator or stairs. Please note that the only entrance to the Annex is by way of four ascending steps.
An accessible restroom is located on the 4th floor, which can be reached by either elevator or stairs.
Within the Annex, doorways and entrances are flat. The entrance to Studio A is a ramp which is 3′ 10″ at its narrowest. The hallway leading to Studio C is 5′ 4″ wide and passes through a 2′ 11″ wide doorway.
Doorway measurements are as follows:
Main entrance: 3′ 11″ wide by 7′ 2″ tall
Studio A: 2′ 9″ wide by 7′ 10″ tall
Studio B: 5′ 8″ wide by 6′ 10″ tall
Studio C: 2′ 8″ wide by 6′ 11″ tall
If you have any additional questions about accessibility, please contact us at rentals@fineartsbuilding.com. Thank you!