If you’ve driven past the relatively new storefront at 1245 Chicago Avenue in Evanston lately and wondered what it was, me, too (admittedly after reading an article about it in the Highland Park News), so I stopped by.                                                                                                                                                                                        First, the lack of pre-fab signage on the façade was refreshing. This ain’t no chain restaurant, after all. There’s authentic mid-century modern furniture in the lounge area and banquets and tables on the side and back of the main floor. The walls are pretty raw and the overall effect is decidedly downtown. But, what turns out to be the Union Pizzaria, complete with wood-burning brick oven and microbrews up the wazoo, is only a third of the attraction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The second part is S.P.A.C.E, the Society for the Preservation of Arts and Culture in Evanston (a pretty lofty name, even for the home of the Block Museum, Century 12/Cine Arts 6, Giordano Dance, Piven Theatre Workshop…), a combination performance/practice venue and music studio. The third component is the League of Creative Musicians, a co-op which hopes to “bring musicians together while cultivating new music.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 What I love most about the concept is that it’s a 2008 interpretation of the hoppin’ Northwestern U co-op from the ‘70s, Amazingrace, where the likes of Steve Goodman, Pat Metheny and Muddy Waters played.  To me, that’s like redesigning a classically modern chair with greener and more high-tech materials. There’s the reverence and the spirit of the past, but the attitude is fresh and new. I also very much appreciate the serendipitous, DIY aspect of the place. Not unlike this online community, it’s where people with a shared passion can congregate, exchange ideas and create. Everyone can be a contributor just by showing up. Of course, just like Blogissimo, the more active the participation, the more lively things get.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Lastly, a word about the founders. Stuart Rosenberg, who, with his band performed unbelievable world tunes at my wedding five years ago, is a musical genius—producer, radio personality and—is there any stringed instrument this guy can’t play? Steven Schwartz also owns Campagnola, where foodies have been flocking down the block for at least ten years (I practically lived there when my apartment was within walking distance). I don’t know Dave Specter personally, but I’ve heard he plays a mean guitar. And the location speaks volumes real estate developer Craig Golden. Talent begets more talent.  And loads of happy inspiration. See you there. For more info, email evanstonspace@mac.com