A major new music recording complex is in the works for the Back of the Yards neighborhood at 821 W Exchange Avenue. Set on the eastern edge of the area near S Halsted Street, this development will be spearheaded by Third Coast Music, an organization dedicated to music education, as they take on an exciting new project approved by the Department of Planning and Development. This endeavor is set to bring something unique to Chicago—a state-of-the-art music facility designed for professional scoring and community use.
Development Plans: Reviving the Past and Building the Future
The proposed recording complex will include both a brand-new multi-story building and the redevelopment of the historic Stockyards National Bank building located right across the street. This iconic structure, known for its recognizable clock tower, will be given a second life as part of the project. Nonzero Architecture is leading the design, focusing on revitalizing both new and historic aspects of this ambitious endeavor. The developers plan to combine world-class music production capabilities with a community-focused approach that benefits both local artists and residents.
Block Club Chicago reports that the new facility will bring a 31,700-square-foot building to the area, including a flagship 8,000-square-foot scoring studio. This multi-story studio will be capable of accommodating ensembles of up to 100 people, such as orchestras and choirs, and will cater to the needs of the film, television, and music industries. The goal is to create Chicago's first “scoring stage,” a facility where complete soundtracks can be recorded—something that currently requires a trip to Los Angeles.
Features and Amenities
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Scoring Studio: An 8,000-square-foot scoring studio for orchestras, choirs, and large ensembles.
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Post-Production Facilities: Includes ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) studios, Foley studios, a dub stage, mastering rooms, and screening rooms.
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Historic Stockyards National Bank Redevelopment: Restoration of the landmark building to contain event spaces, a Chicago Music Museum, café, gift shop, and music education spaces.
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Parking and Outdoor Space: A small surface parking lot with 41 spots and a plaza with green space at the streetfront.
Building Community and Fostering Talent
The driving force behind the project is more than just expanding Chicago's footprint in the film and music industry—it is also about giving back to the community. The goal is to incorporate local youth talent into various roles, including jobs and temporary opportunities throughout construction and operation phases.
The educational aspect is a key focus for Third Coast Music. They intend to use the facility to inspire and develop future generations of talent by offering internships, music production courses, and hands-on training opportunities for elementary to high school students, as well as for college students interested in the music industry. Collaborations with local non-profits and community groups will also be a part of their approach, ensuring youth and artists from the Back of the Yards neighborhood benefit from the development.
Project Costs and Timeline
The entire project is projected to cost around $80 million. Of this, $56 million will be allocated for constructing the new music building, while $24 million will be used to restore the historic bank building. Funding will be sourced through a mix of grants, loans, public funding, and fundraising efforts. Construction will be phased, with work on the new building expected to commence in 2026, followed by the restoration of the bank building once further funds are gathered.
Upon completion, the complex will feature around 76,000 square feet of music production, education, and community space. It aims to provide a much-needed, local recording environment for film and television professionals, eliminating the necessity for Chicago talent to look elsewhere for their production needs.
Reviving a Historic Landmark
The historic bank building, initially constructed in support of Chicago's meatpacking industry, has remained vacant since 1973. Having gained landmark status in 2008, it was saved from demolition and stabilized through city-funded efforts. Now, the restoration aims to transform the ground-floor banking hall into an event space, while the second floor will feature the music education center, classrooms, the Chicago Music Museum, and additional spaces for music composition and production.
Job Creation and Economic Boost
The complex will be an economic engine for Back of the Yards. When fully operational, it is expected to create around 40 full-time jobs, with over 100 additional positions generated each time the complex is used for a major production. In addition, the community event spaces and museum are anticipated to attract visitors, providing a further boost to the local economy.
The development is not just about music; it's about enhancing Chicago’s South Side as a whole, providing cultural and economic benefits that extend far beyond the recording industry.
Final Steps and Approvals
Before the complex can break ground, the project must gain City Council approval. This will include reviews by the Chicago Plan Commission, the Community Development Commission, and the Landmarks Commission to ensure all aspects of the project align with city regulations and preservation guidelines. Third Coast Music intends to purchase the historic bank and the adjacent city-owned lot for $1.9 million once these approvals are granted.
The proposed recording complex at 821 W Exchange Avenue is an exciting development for both the Back of the Yards neighborhood and Chicago's creative community. It blends high-level professional music production facilities with community-oriented programming, transforming a historic site into a modern cultural hub. As the project moves forward, it promises to not only boost Chicago's music and film industry but also bring renewed life and opportunities to this historically rich neighborhood.
