ABC 7 Chicago Officially Breaks Ground on New Sidewalk Studio on Historic State Street Thursday, April 7

ABC 7 Chicago Officially Breaks Ground on New Sidewalk Studio on Historic State Street Thursday, April 7

CHICAGO, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- ABC 7 celebrates the groundbreaking on its new state-of-the-art studio on State Street Thursday, April 7, from 9-9:30 a.m., as construction moves ahead on the future broadcast home of ABC 7 newscasts, special events and other local programming. The 8,200 square foot conversion of existing retail space includes an expansive bay window which extends to the sidewalk -- providing an upclose look behind-the-scenes at the city's top-rated newscasts. The groundbreaking will take place at ABC 7 Chicago, 190 N. State Street.

Slated for completion this fall, the State Street studio complex will also feature a 40-foot curving video sculpture with integrated LED technology providing various scrolling images. Several high resolution LCD plasma screens inside the studio will allow ABC 7 to broadcast current programming and live tapings. In addition, a video ticker banner will present headlines of the day and important community announcements.

"Our new sidewalk studio is designed as an exciting destination point in the continuing revitalization of this historic downtown area," said Emily Barr, ABC 7 station president and general manager. "ABC 7 has a long tradition of reaching out to the Chicago community, and we'll soon be demonstrating that commitment quite literally -- by providing a front-row look at our studio to Chicagoans and others walking down State Street."

"As the news leader in town, we are always looking to interact with our viewers, and this new venue allows us the opportunity to make a connection in ways we've never done before," said Jennifer Graves, Vice President and News Director, ABC 7 Chicago.

"ABC 7 showed its commitment to State Street's revitalization with a major renovation of its studios in the mid-eighties," said Alan F. Bombick, AIA, principal, Legat Architects. "Once again, ABC 7 is stepping up to create an energetic and pioneering statement that will put State Street on the map, and add to the area's growing list of attractions."

The State Street Studio renovations will preserve the image of the 1920's- era building, while capturing a more contemporary image. "Contrasting materials of clear glass and terra cotta will be intertwined in a harmonious entity, each representing a different era of architectural expression," added Vojo Narancic, head of design at Legat Architects.

Turner Construction Special Projects Division is the General Contractor for the State Street Studio project.

** To view renderings of the new ABC 7 State Street Studio visit http://www.abc7chicago.com/ .

Source: ABC 7 Chicago

CONTACT: Jayme Nicholas of ABC 7 Chicago, +1-312-750-7254

Web site: http://www.abc7chicago.com/

------- Profile: Ent