Chicago's magic scene is re-surging

CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- Andersonville has a new trick up its sleeve: the Chicago Magic Lounge, which broke ground on Clark Street Wednesday.

The Chicago Magic Lounge wants to revive close up magic, the kinds of tricks and disappearances that go on right before your very eyes.

"In Chicago we were really about breaking the fourth wall, kind of like improve later. But we were doing it at the dinner table and at the bar before," explains the lounge's co-owner Joey Cranford.

He says the venture has brought together more than 30 magicians, all eager to celebrate Chicago's rich magic tradition.

"This is re-imagining the whole thing and building a magic spot at the bar for this to happen," he adds.

Once a commercial laundry facility, the new space will have a 120 seat magic cabaret and a more intimate 40 seat gallery, as well as a bar. 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar joined the celebration-even trying his hand at a classic levitation.

He says the Chicago Magic Lounge will help usher in an artistic renaissance for the city's neighborhoods.

"I think it's going to help us connect to the entertainment corridor in Uptown and I think it's going to have a catalytic effect," he says.

It's going to take a bit more than a wave of the magic wand to build the Chicago Magic Lounge, but its doors should open early next year.

For now, you can see performances at the Uptown Underground!