Families remember victims as E2 nightclub site is torn down

CHICAGO - The building that once housed the E2 nightclub, where 21 people lost their lives in a 2003 stampede, is being demolished after a portion of the structure's roof collapsed and city officials determined it poses significant structural risks.

On Tuesday, construction crews began the process of tearing down the building at 2347 South Michigan Ave. under an emergency order issued by the city.

The nightclub has been vacant since the tragedy, which occurred when a fight broke out and pepper spray that was used to break it up caused a deadly stampede. More than 50 others were injured during the chaos.

Survivors and families of the victims revisited the site after hearing of the demolition.

"It's something we’re living with 21 years later," said Alexceon Myers, whose brother Antonio died in the incident. Tuesday would have been Antonio’s 44th birthday.

Shapara Hicks, who lost her mother, Latoya McGraw, said, "It’s hard, and I just want Mom to know I love her and will make sure no one forgets her first and last name."

The building’s deteriorated state has been a point of contention. In October, the city’s landmark commission determined the structure contributed to the Motor Row Historic District, and a demolition permit was denied. That ruling was overturned after the roof collapse, and officials cited the building’s dangerous condition.

Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago expressed frustration, calling the situation "illegal" and a case of "demolition by neglect."

The Department of Buildings had inspected the property earlier this year and identified serious code violations, including issues with the roof, basement, and elevator shaft. Officials stated the building posed a threat to public safety and first responders.

Activist Dawn Valente, who joined others in reflecting on the tragedy, said, "This is also a part of Chicago history, and we feel like those 21 lives should be honored."

Mayor's office statement

• In October, the Landmarks Commission determined it was a contributing building to the Motor Row historic district and denied the issuance of a demolition permit to the owner, Motor Row Investments LLC. At the time, Department of Buildings inspectors believed the building was structurally sound, based on exterior inspections.
• Last night, a portion of the structure's roof reportedly collapsed and the owner mobilized a demolition crew to remove the building, pursuant to an administrative order by DOB due to hazardous conditions.
• The building's status as a designated landmark does not apply to buildings that are imminently dangerous.

Department of Buildings statement

The Department of Buildings inspected the building at 2347 S. Michigan Ave. on April 9, 2024, and referred multiple exterior building code violations to the Department of Law, which filed a circuit court case on August 14, 2024.

On November 22, 2024, a DOB inspector conducted a court-ordered inspection of the property, found the building to be vacant and open, and noted the following dangerous and hazardous building code violations:

1. Structural failure of the bow truss roof system.
2. Partial roof collapse
3. Roof joists are compromised due to water infiltration
4. Three feet of standing water in a partial basement at the northeast corner of the property
5. Open elevator shaft

These building conditions pose an immediate threat to first responders and the public. Pursuant to the Commissioner’s authority under section 14A-3.311.3 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code, this building should be immediately demolished on an EMERGENCY BASIS by the property owner.