BREAKING: The shuttered St. Laurence Catholic Elementary School in Greater Grand Crossing has officially reopened today as the Land School, an innovative arts incubator. This significant transformation, spearheaded by artist and developer Theaster Gates, aims to cultivate creativity and community engagement in the neighborhood.
The grand opening ceremony took place earlier today, September 14, 2025, where Gates welcomed the community by ringing a historic bell from St. Laurence Church, which was demolished in 2014. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as community members came together for hugs, cheers, and performances from local artists including the chamber music collective, D-Composed.
This $12 million project received a major boost from the city’s Department of Planning and Development, securing a $2.5 million grant from the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. Commissioner Ciere Boatright expressed her enthusiasm for supporting local initiatives, stating, “Just as bullish as we are providing resources downtown, we want to be just as bullish providing resources to our neighborhoods.”
The Land School, which spans 40,000 square feet, will serve as a hub for artistic practices and community gatherings. The opening follows years of meticulous development efforts by Gates’ Rebuild Foundation, which has worked tirelessly to revitalize abandoned spaces and center the arts within the community.
For local residents like Melody Waller and Talatha Haskins, both St. Laurence alumni, the reopening symbolizes a return to their roots. “This has been a dream come true. We were nurtured here, for sure. We were loved,” Waller shared, reflecting on her childhood memories. The women expressed eagerness to engage with the new facility, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in any development.
Gates reiterated the significance of community-driven initiatives, stating, “There’s this illusion that we don’t have the capacity to do great things… we just needed one that was ours.” His vision for the Land School extends beyond an arts incubator; it aims to strengthen the cultural fabric of Greater Grand Crossing.
The full-day celebration featured performances from various artists, including DJ Duane Powell and Ben LaMar Gay. Guests toured the revitalized school, once closed in 2002, and experienced firsthand the new opportunities for artistic expression and collaboration.
As the Land School opens its doors, it promises to be a beacon of creativity and hope for the community, fostering an environment where artists can thrive and where local voices are heard and celebrated.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Land School is set to host a variety of programming, including community listening sessions and artistic showcases. Residents and artists alike are encouraged to participate and contribute to this evolving cultural hub.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Land School begins its mission to enrich the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood through art and collaboration.
