PianoForte Studios Moving down to 1335 S. Michigan?

Vacant building at 1335 S. Michigan that supposedly will be the new home of PianoForte Studios

A big, vacant building on South Michigan may have a new occupant if a reader on our message board is correct:

ARTS ON THE MOVE: PianoForte Studios, a piano store that does business in the Fine Arts Building at 408 S. Michigan, has purchased its own building. Represented by real estate broker DTZ, PianoForte bought an 11,000-square-foot, three-story building at 1335 S. Michigan. Property records show the building sold for $1.15 million. The store plans to be in the new space this summer.

While we're not 100% sure about the source, it's a nice development if true.  There is still a glut of buildings/space right here and it will be nice to have one of them occupied.

PianoForte's 408 N. Michigan Address

We don't know much about PianoForte Studios, but have noticed them further North on Michigan Avenue (see image on the right).  We've even commented how strange it was to have a piano store in such a prime location.

Based on what we've read they will be a good neighbor as they also have a foundation with a noble mission:  

PianoForte Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of the piano in Chicago and creating a vibrant piano community that closely connects audiences and artists. We bring excitement and appreciation for piano music to a wide audience through high-quality concerts, festivals, competitions, education, outreach, and public broadcasts.

As a piano player and general admirer of the instrument (and all things music) it's exciting to have them move into the Sloop.  Especially since they will bring life to a stretch that isn't currently very easy on the eye.  Hopefully they can change that!

For those of you who would like more information on PianoForte, we found this video on their website from a CBS2:


(Hat tip:  South Loopr)