Back of the Yards is set to witness a remarkable transformation as a former bank is poised to become a state-of-the-art 76,000-square-foot music production complex. This project holds great significance for the local community and the music industry alike.

Unleashing the Potential of a Landmarked Bank in Back of the Yards

Recording Studio and Post-Production Facilities

The former Stock Yards National Bank at 4150 S. Halsted St. and an adjacent city-owned lot will be transformed into an $80 million recording complex. A 31,700-square-foot building will house an 8,000-square-foot recording studio specifically designed for orchestras, choirs, and ensembles of up to 100 people. Post-production facilities will be set up at the vacant lot at 821 W. Exchange Ave. This will provide a one-stop solution for professional instrumental music production, including a scoring studio, ADR and Foley studios, a dub stage, a mastering room, and screening rooms. It will be the first of its kind in Chicago, offering local TV and film studios a complete production facility and boosting opportunities for local talent.The scoring stage will be a game-changer, allowing local productions to be completed from start to finish. This will not only enhance the local film and TV industry but also provide a platform for local musicians to showcase their skills.

Event Space and Music Learning Center

The proposed complex will include an event space, a music learning center, production studios, and a music museum. The event space will be a great addition to the community, hosting various events and gatherings. The music learning center will offer opportunities for elementary to high school students to learn about careers in the music production industry. It will provide internships, music production courses, and hands-on training to college students. Collaborating with local nonprofits, community groups, and artists, the center will host youth programs and record music, nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Community and Cultural Impact

This project is not just about the music industry; it will also have a significant impact on the community. When completed, it could create about 40 full-time jobs and more than 100 jobs each time a production uses the complex, depending on the production size. It will boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the residents of Back of the Yards.The nonprofit is seeking a federal landmark designation for the building and will restore most of the significant interior and exterior elements, including the facade, the cupola, and the banking hall. This will preserve the historical significance of the building and add to the cultural heritage of the area.The former Stock Yards National Bank was a cornerstone of Chicago's once-bustling meatpacking industry. Now, it is set to become a hub for music production and cultural activities, breathing new life into the area.The project was one of two proposals submitted to the city for the redevelopment of the landmark building. Third Coast Music's proposal received the support of local music education nonprofits, the Chicago Federation of Musicians, the Recording Academy Chicago chapter, independent filmmakers, music teachers, and other cultural institutions.If approved by the city, the nonprofit will buy the building and the city-owned one-acre vacant lot for $1.9 million. It is seeking to raise funds through donations, grants, and city and state funding to finance the construction of this "cultural asset" for the South Side and the city.The proposal will need to be approved by City Council and will likely be reviewed by the Chicago Plan Commission, the city's Community Development Commission, and the Landmarks Commission.With its unique features and potential, this music production complex is set to become a landmark in its own right, contributing to the cultural landscape of Chicago.