As the iconic Wicker Park music venue Double Door nears its eviction, its owners have began eyeing Logan Square's Savings Bank building for relocation.
Double Door's owners are asking for Logan Square residents to support the venue's move into the historic space by signing an online petition. The website, located here, offers an easy way to sign the petition, as well as pre-written letters to send the Scott Waguespack, the 32nd Ward Alderman.
"We would sincerely like your help and support before we begin restoring the beautiful and historic Logan Square State and Savings Bank building located at 2551 N. Milwaukee Avenue. We want to continue supporting music and culture in Chicago with our diverse and vibrant programming, featuring national artists as well as both established and emerging Chicago artists," the website states.
Those who sign the petition will also be informed of any relevent neighborhood meetings.
"We feel compelled to protect our employees and the artists that perform here by maintaining the cultural diversity of Double Door. We looked at a number of other properties in the area, but the Logan Square State and Savings Bank stood out because it’s a restoration project. The building itself is a landmark building. To restore such an iconic neighborhood building with a civic and cultural purpose making it open to the public is incredibly exciting,” owner Sean Mulroney recently told Chicagoist.
The building, located at 2551 N. Milwaukee, is located just southwest of the Logan Monument, sitting at the heart of the popular neighborhood.
Previous reports state that the owners were seeking to turn the bank building into a 650 capacity concert venue with two bar areas with capacities of 229 and 120. The venue's current capacity is 473.
If the project is permitted, the venue could be open by late 2017.
See a timeline of Double Door's influence and legal struggles below.
Timeline:
1994: Double Door opens at 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Smashing Pumpkins perform during first week
1996: Then-unknown rapper Kanye West performs at Double Door
1997: Rolling Stones perform a notorious last-minute set at the venue to kick off their tour
2001: High Fidelity is released, featuring scenes filmed at Double Door
2005: Double Door is nearly shut down due to lease agreements, stays open but lease doubles
2013: Double Door opens basement bar, Door No. 3, with a focus on DJs and electronic music
2015: Double Door faces eviction for not re-signing lease in time
2016 (August): Judge orders Double Door to eventually leave Wicker Park space, despite 15K signature petition
2016 (September): Double Door chooses Logan Square Savings Bank for hopeful new location
Note: Throughout its existence in Wicker Park, Double Door hosted a number of big names, including Cheap Trick, Kings Of Leon, Andrew Bird, Ray Lamontagne, and The Killers.
