Details have been revealed for a potential new recording complex at 821 W Exchange Avenue on the eastern edge of Back of the Yards. Located on the corner with S Halsted Street, the complex would be developed by local educational organization Third Coast Music as the winners of a recent RFP from the Department of Planning and Development.
Site view of Third Coast Complex via DPD
Rendering of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
The complex will include a new multi-story building designed by Nonzero Architecture, while also redeveloping the historic Stockyards National Bank building and its iconic clock tower across the street. The organization’s goal is to bring the city its first ‘scoring stage’ with the ability to record soundtracks and more, something currently found mostly in Los Angeles.
Rendering of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
Rendering of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
Rising roughly four-stories in height, the new music building would span 31,700 square-feet in size and feature a flagship 8,000 square-foot scoring studio. The multi-story studio would allow for ensembles up to 100 people in size including choirs aimed at the film, tv, and music industries. Additionally there would be space for post-production and more.
Floor plan of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
Floor plan of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
A small surface lot that can accommodate 41 cars would sit in the rear while a small plaza and green space would anchor the streetfront. Across the street, the historic bank would be restored and contain event spaces, a Chicago Music Museum, cafe, gift shop, and educational spaces. Third Coast also hopes to incorporate young local talent via jobs and temporary opportunities.
Rendering of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
Rendering of Third Coast Complex by Nonzero Architecture
The overall project will cost around $80 million, $56 million for the new structure and $24 million for the bank building. The team hopes to cover this via grants, loans, public funding, and upcoming fundraising efforts. Construction will be phased with the new building set to start in 2026, while the bank building will be remodeled after as funds are gathered.
The official press release from DPD can be found here, while Third Coast’s proposal video can be found here.
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Construction/project appears to need City funding. Where is this money coming from? This seems to be the musical equivalent to Field of Dreams–if you build it they will come. Unfortunately the movie, TV production industry seems to be suffering a downturn of its own right now.
why does this need subsidized funding? the city is broke
Reading construction news in other cities and then reading construction news in Chicago is depressing, the articles are right, real estate investment is bypassing Chicago. No blame to the authors (truly appreciate you guys work) but all the new articles are of new homes on lots? Where are the midrises? the high rises? the new infrastracture projects? Reading Atlanta urbanize and then reading Chicago yimby, it’s so obvious Chicago is getting left behindd.
I read on the skyscraperpage Chicago forum that 220 Ada is the only high rise delivering in 2025? WTF is happening??
ATL is a growing city, Chicago is not. West Loop is the only area in Chicago with real, steady growth. So many of Chicago’s most anticipated projects are going to take years to complete like the United Center project, Halsted Point, 400 Lake Shore Dr, and 78, but they will happen. The United Center is actually really exciting and likely to get done quicker than larger developments like 78 and Lincoln yards that are stalled due to relying on on city funding.
There are also more projects in West Loop, east of Ogden that will be popping up in coming years. Flora just opened recently and almost all the empty lots near the train there have approved plans, it’s just slow progress.