“For more than two decades, a two-story building in Lincoln Park was home to Wax Trax! Records, an iconic storefront and record label that helped shape Chicago’s underground music scene.
“Now, the team behind Wax Trax is pushing to get the building at 2449 N. Lincoln Ave. landmarked, having argued their case at a hearing of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks Friday morning. Landmark designation would ensure the building could not be demolished or have its exterior altered.
“‘We’ve taken on the responsibility of making sure Wax Trax has its rightful place in music history,’ Mark Skillicorn, co-owner of the label, told Block Club. ‘This building represents so much to so many people — not just in Chicago, but around the world.’
“However, the building is no longer owned by Wax Trax and is currently for sale. It was listed in December for $1.4 million, according to property records. The building was last sold in 2011, when it was purchased by Marvin Greene of suburban Lake Forest for more than $878,000, according to property records.
“The owner did not show up to Friday’s hearing, Skillicorn said, and has not spoken publicly about the landmark proposal.
“‘As important as Chess Records was to blues and soul music, Chicago’s Wax Trax imprint was just as significant to the punk rock, new wave and industrial genres. What began as a record shop on Lincoln Avenue that specialized in underground music more than 30 years ago morphed into an influential label and seeped into the city’s culture. Even after the label went bankrupt, the storefront closed and founders Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher passed away, the music and reach of Wax Trax Records never dissipated.’ Richard Geraldi wrote in the Sun-Times in 2011.
“Vying For Landmark Status: Attempts get the building on Lincoln Avenue landmarked started a few years ago, Skillicorn said, but their efforts hit some speed bumps due to the pandemic.
“Last year, a member of the landmarks commission reached out to Wax Trax to let them know they were ready to get the ball rolling once again, Skillicorn said.
“In August, the commission unanimously approved a preliminary recommendation to designate the building as a city landmark. A final vote on the building’s landmark status is scheduled for Feb. 6.
“People hear ‘landmark’ and might think of something frozen in the past, a relic of history long gone, Skillicorn said. But for Wax Trax, the push for preservation isn’t just about honoring its storied legacy — it’s a celebration of a vibrant, living entity that continues to inspire music, art and community today. (Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 1/17/25)
Preservation Chicago fully supports the Chicago Landmark Designation of the Wax Trax! Records building. We have been in contact with stakeholders, and have testified in support of designation at every hearing.
Chicago’s music history is rich and important, and we have strongly encouraged the recognition, celebration, and protection of Chicago’s music heritage, including the Warehouse, Muddy Water’s House, and many others. Landmark protection is an important step in this process.
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago
- Wax Trax! Records Team Pushes To Landmark Its Former Lincoln Park Storefront; The Chicago Landmarks Commission heard arguments Friday from the record label’s team, advocates and longtime fans. But the building is currently for sale, and its owner has not commented publicly, Patrick Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 1/17/25
- Chicago commission votes to make former Wax Trax! Records building a landmark, Noel Brennan and Adam Harrington, CBS Chicago, 2/6/25
- Wax Trax building gets preliminary landmark designation; The former records store is located at 2449 N. Lincoln, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 8/20/24
- Wax Trax Records long gone, but pulse of its music is strong, Richard, Giraldi, Chicago Sun-Times, 4/17/2011
- Wax Trax Records Building 2449 N. Lincoln Avenue Sales Listing, MI Realty Group