The former site of the Union Stockyards, a landmark in Chicago's history, is on the verge of a remarkable transformation. Once synonymous with meatpacking, it is now set to become a center for the music industry. Third Coast Music, a relatively new nonprofit, has won the city's call for proposals and is set to develop the former Stockyards Bank Building and an adjacent lot. This ambitious project aims to create an $80 million music production center and event space that will be unlike anything else in the Midwest.

Uniting Chicago's Music Heritage with a New Era

Anchoring the Midwest with a Massive Scoring Stage

The proposed development will feature a 32,000-square-foot facility housing a massive scoring stage and control room. Its size and capacity are truly remarkable - approximately 6,000 square feet and able to hold around 100 musicians. This makes it one of the largest scoring stages in the country. Even the renowned stage at Skywalker Sound, north of San Francisco, is less than 5,000 square feet. Such a large and capable stage will provide a unique opportunity for local and international musicians to collaborate and create. 2: This scoring stage will not only be a center for music production but also a place where creativity can flourish. It will attract top-notch musicians from around the world, who will come to record and perform here. The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and acoustics, ensuring that every note is captured and every performance is a masterpiece.

Building a Comprehensive Music Complex

The proposed music complex will include not only the scoring stage but also event and performance spaces, classrooms, a café, a gift shop, and a small Chicago music museum. This comprehensive approach will build on long-simmering plans to establish a blues or house museum in the city. It will create a vibrant community of music lovers and professionals, where people can come together to celebrate and learn about music. 2: The event and performance spaces will be used for a variety of events, from concerts to film screenings. The classrooms will provide a place for aspiring musicians to learn and grow, while the café and gift shop will add a touch of charm and convenience. The Chicago music museum will showcase the city's rich musical heritage and inspire future generations of musicians.

Bringing Chicago Closer to National Post-Production Hubs

The film and television industry stands to benefit greatly from Third Coast Music's proposal. Currently, production companies often have to complete their projects in Los Angeles or New York due to facility limitations in Chicago. However, with the addition of a scoring stage, Chicago can become a destination for large film and television projects. This will not only boost the local economy but also elevate the city's status as a cultural and creative center. 2: The Chicago Film Office recognizes the importance of a scoring stage and has expressed its support for the project. By making Chicago a place where film, TV, music, and media creatives have the infrastructure to create projects from start to finish, the city can transform its industry and amplify its cultural and economic impact.

Overcoming Challenges and Securing Funding

The development of the music complex comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of funding. The $80 million price tag is steep, but Third Coast Music is optimistic. The organization's nonprofit status opens up opportunities for tax credits, grant revenue, and tax increment financing funds. They also hope to attract philanthropy from the same sector that supports live music in the city. 2: Naming rights are also on the table, which could provide an additional source of funding. By partnering with businesses and individuals, Third Coast Music can secure the necessary resources to bring this project to life.In conclusion, the transformation of the former Union Stockyards into a music hub is an exciting development for Chicago. With its massive scoring stage, comprehensive music complex, and potential to boost the local economy, this project has the potential to make a significant impact on the city's music and cultural landscape.