A showcase for countless permanent and transient Chicago theater companies, this generically named, three-theater complex (each space is differently configured but contains exactly 148 seats) has hosted more than 225 theater companies since opening its doors in 1977. The Building also plays an important role in the development of new musicals in Chicago; and it's home to the New Tuners festival, where countless new musicals are workshopped and given readings throughout the year.

In recent seasons, Theatre Building has been host to the Chicago Writers' Bloc New Plays Festival, Famous Door Theatre (producing plays here from 1998 until its disbandment in 2005), the Chicago SketchFest, Congo Square Theatre Company, Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago and others. Theatre Building also develops original works through the Musical Theatre Writers' Workshop and presentation program, premiering some 95 musicals in Chicago.

Excellently maintained, the three theaters are comfortably air-conditioned, with excellent sight lines and adequate acoustics. Depending on who's using the spaces, it can be a little too dimly lit in the theaters, but there's a nice bar, tables and chairs out in the lobby. There's also a cool little chandelier contraption made out of collanders (as in, the metal bowl things with the little holes in them that you use to rinse vegetables or strain spaghetti). Signs on the walls detailing the building's history make for some interesting reading.

Bars and restaurants are all over the place near the theater; some of them offer dinner packages, and there's a list of recommended dining in the area available at the box office.