CHICAGO — After six long years without a café, the historic Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue is preparing to welcome a fresh new face: Groundswell Coffee, a locally owned roastery known for its small-batch blends and community-first approach.
The new coffee shop is slated to open this August at 410 S. Michigan Ave., marking the first time the Fine Arts Building has hosted a café since the Artists Cafe shuttered its doors in 2019.
Reviving a Historic Corner of Downtown
The Fine Arts Building is a cultural cornerstone in downtown Chicago, housing theaters, artist studios, and rehearsal spaces. Now, with Groundswell Coffee stepping in, the ground floor will once again buzz with daily visitors — this time, over coffee and croissants.
Groundswell’s new outpost will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering a cozy, 1,000-square-foot space designed to reflect the creative spirit of the building and its tenants.
Locally Roasted, Artistically Inspired
Founder Jason Foster emphasized that Groundswell is committed to authenticity. “I was looking for a place with character and history,” Foster said. “This new venture marks an exciting next chapter — combining our passion for quality coffee with a space that inspires.”
The shop will feature a special Fine Arts Building-exclusive roast, along with a curated menu including:
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Breakfast burritos
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Artisan sandwiches
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Fresh pastries
All designed to serve both the building’s artists and the public stopping by Michigan Avenue.
A Thoughtful Renovation Meets a Community Favorite
The Fine Arts Building has undergone several renovations in recent years — most notably a multi-million-dollar restoration of the Studebaker Theater in 2023. That revitalization has helped breathe new life into the space and attract a younger generation of creatives and patrons.
“We are thrilled to welcome Groundswell to this storied location,” said Erica Berger, the building’s proprietor. “Soon, visitors will be able to grab coffee, pastries or lunch as the sounds of violins, tap dancing, or an opera rehearsal sing in the halls above them.”
What to Expect This Summer
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Opening Date: August 2025
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Location: 410 S. Michigan Ave., Fine Arts Building
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Hours: 7 a.m.–7 p.m. daily
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Offerings: Exclusive Fine Arts roast, sandwiches, burritos, pastries
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Vibe: Artistic, cozy, and deeply rooted in Chicago’s creative community
With Groundswell’s move, the iconic Fine Arts Building is once again poised to be a gathering spot not just for art lovers, but for everyday Chicagoans in search of a meaningful cup of coffee.
Have you missed grabbing coffee inside the Fine Arts Building? Share your memories or excitement for the new café in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com!
