“The Commission on Chicago Landmarks on Thursday granted final approval of landmark status for the South Side home where blues legend Muddy Waters lived and raised his family, the quest for designation now moving to the Chicago City Council for approval.
“It was the final hurdle in the journey through the Commission for the property at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave. in North Kenwood to be named a city of Chicago landmark.
“Next stop is the City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. With committee approval, it then goes before the full council for vote.
“The brick two-flat — where Waters lived on the first floor, rented out the top floor and had his recording studio in the basement — is owned by Waters’ great-granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, who is converting the home into The MOJO Muddy Waters House Museum. At one time or another, legends like Otis Spann, Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry lived there.
“‘We are so elated and happy that the city of Chicago Landmarks Commission has recognized and is honoring the home of my great-grandfather, where there is musical legacy and history,’ Cooper said. ‘We’re on this great path toward becoming one of Chicago’s landmarks, and we are looking forward to working with the blues community, the city and the alderman on this project to leave a piece of his legacy for the city of Chicago.’ (Ihejirika, Chicago Sun-Times, 8/5/21)
“‘From when Mr. Morganfield purchased the home in 1954, his home quickly became a gathering place for legendary musicians who would jam in his basement and visit while recording or gigging in town,’ said Mary Lu Seidel of Preservation Chicago. ‘His list of guests would make an incredible blues hall of fame roster. The music that flowed through and around this home created a blues sound that was uniquely Chicago via the Mississippi Delta.’ (Evans, Block Club Chicago, 5/5/21_
Read the full story at the Chicago Sun-Times
Muddy Waters House, 4339 South Lake Park Avenue Chicago Landmark Designation Report