The project is the adaptive reuse of an existing church in Markham, IL converting into an Event, Culture and Art Center. The total project area is 9,400 sf. Program consists of a multi-purpose event space and supporting programs, including offices, meeting rooms, utility rooms, bathrooms and exhibition lobby. The space will be expanded to hold 450 people. This will be a two-phase process; renovation of the existing space- which is under way- and expansion, which consists of addition of a glass linkage between the two existing event spaces, an all glass enclosure with dual exhibition and entry lobby functionality and a new facade.

Besides the role of the center in promoting the culture, the exhibition will be unique in that it will house and display worldwide acclaimed authentic African and Bronze art, created by the Edo People and Benin Nation of Africa. Members of the Akugbe-Oretin Club have established channels and relationships which will enable replicas of the Benin Bronzes to be imported directly from Nigeria and displayed at the Akugbe-Oretin Event, Culture and Arts Center to tell the story of the Edo people and the Benin Empire. Stories of its art, craftsmanship, international trade success, progressive governance, and faith that led to its unparalleled success will be shared. It will be an inspiring historic account, which up to this point has not been widely told.

ORGANIZATION SUSTAINABILITY

The Akugbe Oretin Club aims to be financially self-sufficient, by generating revenue through its community events- such as conferences, baby dedications, parties, weddings, etc.- membership base, classes and exhibition. Also as a tax exempt non for profit organization it will seek corporate sponsorship, grants and financial assistance from foundations, private and public entities.

Revival Resources takes on the project to raise the fund on behalf of Akugbe Oretin Club, to cover the project’s soft and hard costs as the following:

Construction Cost: $360,000

Architectural and Engineering design fees: $40,000

Total: $400,000

The goal is for the A/E fees to be raised first and by the end of 2024 to be utilized in production of design, engineering and drawings, renderings and specification for permit issuance and further fundraising process.

The construction cost is planned to be raised by Spring 2025 to start the construction.

The following Akugbe Oretin Club board members can be contacted for more information on mission, vision, programming and partnership with Revival Resources:

Mr. Friday Igbinoba

f60803@gmail.com, (312) 404-5270

Mr. Kingsley Ehimwenman

kingsleyehi@gmail.com, (708) 557-3196