Site of legendary club The Warehouse granted preliminary landmark protection by Chicago officials

The building that housed legendary Chicago club The Warehouse received a preliminary landmark protection recommendation last week. 

Following a 14,000-signature-strong petition to protect the West Loop building site against demolition, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks unanimously voted on Thursday 13th April, to preserve 206 S. Jefferson Street, the Chicago Tribune reports.

From here, a final recommendation will be made in "coming months", before it escalates to the city council and mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.

The building is currently owned by law firm Nathan & Kaminiski LLP, which is "not looking to impede anything of cultural significance", a representative said, according to Resident Advisor.

"We're so excited for this development and are optimistic it will ultimately result in The Warehouse becoming an official Chicago landmark," Preservation Chicago spokesperson Max Chavez said in an interview with Resident Advisor. "The more support there is from the public and other involved parties, the more we can convey to the City just how important The Warehouse is."

The Frankie Knuckles Foundation founder Frederick Dunson also spoke with RA: "Everyone here in Chicago is extremely hopeful that City will support this effort for landmark status and yes, of course, that would include support from the incoming Mayor Johnson."

The Warehouse opened in 1977 with Frankie Knuckles as resident DJ. House music gets its name for the beloved venue.

For more Chicago house history, read our recent feature on the history of Trax Records and house music pioneers' fight for royalties.