Birthplace of House Music Secures Landmark Status

Birthplace of House Music Secures Landmark Status

The Chicago venue where house music found its soul and a place in history.

The Warehouse, the legendary birthplace of house music, has recently been granted national landmark status by the city of Chicago, solidifying its place in the history of this vibrant genre. Located on 206 South Jefferson Street in Chicago, Illinois, The Warehouse first opened its doors in 1977, quickly becoming a haven for disco-loving Black and Latino queer men who flocked to the venue to dance to the mesmerising beats of its resident DJ, the one and only Frankie Knuckles.

Frankie Knuckles was a true pioneer, known for his unique style that seamlessly blended disco classics, European synth-infused electronic music, and even the occasional indie label soul or rock track. It was within the walls of The Warehouse that the early days of house music unfolded, and the genre was aptly named after this very birthplace.

In a significant move, the Chicago City Council recently granted landmark status to the former factory that housed The Warehouse, thanks to a petition drive that began earlier this year. The decision was further bolstered by the unanimous vote of approval from all seven members of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in April. This recognition serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Warehouse and its contribution to the cultural fabric of Chicago.

Joe Shahanan, the visionary founder of numerous renowned Chicago nightclubs, including the iconic Smart Bar, which had the honour of hosting Frankie Knuckles’ first performance, expressed his admiration for the late DJ, stating, “A lot of people call [Frankie] the ‘Godfather of House.’ I’ve always considered him the ‘Architect of House.’ He’s the one that built the foundation of what became a global phenomenon.” Shahanan also emphasised the significance of preserving The Warehouse as a cultural beacon, urging the Council to acknowledge its importance and safeguard it as a vital piece of Chicago’s cultural history.

Brandon Johnson, the Mayor of Chicago, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of preserving landmarks that represent the city’s rich history and culture. Mayor Johnson stated, “Chicago landmarks illustrate the story of our history and culture. I’m proud that the City Council approved landmark designation for The Warehouse, a space regarded as the birthplace of house music and a safe haven for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ communities.” This designation is a crucial milestone in recognising the cultural and historical significance of electronic music and the profound influence that marginalised communities, such as the Black, Latino, and queer communities, had on its development.

Around 1984, Frankie Knuckles embarked on a journey of experimentation, incorporating rhythm makers and drum machines into his mixes. These additions introduced captivating drum pulses and distinctive “chic chik chok ka ka” sounds that layered beneath cult disco classics, ultimately defining the sound of Chicago house music. Other local DJs quickly picked up on this innovative style, propelling the genre forward.

As the sound began to gain traction outside of the Black and Latino scene, some felt that it was becoming overly commercialised. In response, Knuckles and The Warehouse founder Robert Williams departed to pursue more exclusive ventures, ensuring that the essence of house music remained true to its roots.

Nevertheless, the influence of this genre continued to grow, thanks to DJs like Ron Hardy, who assumed Knuckles’ role as a resident at The Warehouse. As the infectious beats of house music made their way across the Atlantic to European nightclubs, the genre transcended borders, becoming an international phenomenon.

While Frankie Knuckles may have passed away on March 31, 2014, his impact on the world of music remains indelible. His legacy lives on, and his foundation serves as a testament to his immense contributions to the house music movement. As we celebrate the recognition of The Warehouse as a national landmark, we honour the incredible journey that started within its walls and celebrate the enduring spirit of house music.