This article first appeared in the 200710
issue of BD+C.
The Boocoo Cultural Center and Café in Evanston, Ill., was built to foster community connections. The 5,000-sf facility, formerly a gas station, grocery store, and dollar store, now offers a 125-seat performance space, music school, recording studio, and an organic café. Sustainable elements include: permeable pavers, insulation made from recycled blue jeans, and a geothermal energy system. The center was built by Community Builders of Evanston, with studioVIM as architect for the project, which was completed in July.
