Public weighs in on future of E2 nightclub tragedy site

CHICAGO — The public is getting the chance to weigh in Thursday on the future of the E2 nightclub site, where 21 people were killed back in 2003.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is working to determine if the E2 nightclub building will remain, or be torn down.

The building at 2437 South Michigan Avenue is the site where 21 people died and 50 were injured. The victims were trampled down a stairwell while trying to escape, after a security guard tried breaking up a fight using pepper spray.

The building has sat vacant since, and is part of the historical Motor Row national register district since 2000.

The 124-year-old building was built as a showroom for Fiat automobiles along Michigan Avenue during the development of the auto industry.

Family of victims killed in the E2 nightclub tragedy want the building to be demolished and turned into a memorial site.

An investor bought the property in 2021 and wants to tear it down and build a 21-story affordable senior housing development, and include a memorial for the victims of the E2 tragedy.

This past spring, Randy Shifrin says he offered the building as a migrant shelter for $1 a month to the city.

When officials came to inspect, the city sent Shifrin a letter with several violations ordering him to make the repairs or demolish the building.

Shifrin hired a demolition company, but in August, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks denied a demolition permit, saying tearing down the E2 building would negatively impact the historical and architectural features of the Motor Row District.

As of noon Thursday, the meeting was still being held.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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