Lately it seems like Alderman Fioretti has been aggressively talking about transforming part of South Michigan into an entertainment district. Whether it is talking about Microbreweries in this part of the sloop or simply touting the history of the area, it seems to be an important part of his agenda.Along those lines, last week a reader sent us a link to a Chicago Sun-Times article saying that the city council is expected to move forward with a designation to have this area called "Music Row":
A South Loop street once lined with automobile showrooms could someday become a thriving entertainment district that celebrates Chicago’s musical roots in blues and jazz, thanks to a zoning designation advanced Thursday.We like this idea. In our opinion Music history is more interesting than the history of auto showrooms. We're not sure if this will be the shot in the arm this area needs to become a thriving entertainment district, but hopefully it does. Regardless it seems like a step in the right direction.
After nearly two decades of discussion, the City Council’s Zoning Committee agreed to transform the three-block stretch of South Michigan Avenue between Cermak and the Stevenson Expressway from “Motor Row” into “Music Row.” The full City council is expected to sign off next week.
There is one thing that doesn't really make sense to us (and maybe we're just missing something). The historic music buildings that we know of in the area don't reside in the three block stretch from the Stevenson to Cermak that would be called "Music Row". The old Chess records studio is at 2120 S. Michigan and the old Vee Jay Records studio is at 1449 S. Michigan.
Does anyone else know of any studios or significant music destinations that would be in the "Music Row" area? We know the Marmon Grand Ballroom would be in the area (2230 S. Michigan), but don't think that has a historic musical background.
What are your thoughts on this change? Good? Bad? Will it make a difference?
(Hat tip: AK!)
