Panel hears emotional debate over future of former E2 nightclub, scene of deadly stampede in 2003

CHICAGO (CBS) – The building in the center of the Tragedy at E2 nightclub is back in the spotlight. More than 20 years after a stampede left 21 people dead and 50 others injured, the building's owner and the city are at odds over plans to demolish the building.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks heard a public hearing Thursday on the fate of the building after the panel made a preliminary decision earlier this year Denial of permission to demolish the building.

The tragedy at E2 had no bearing on the panel's decision to deny a demolition permit for the site, as the commission instead focused on the fact that the building was originally a Fiat dealership when it was first constructed in 1910, which made it an important part of the historic Motor Row District.

“It would have a negative impact if the Motor Row District lost this building,” a city official said at Thursday’s hearing.

An hour-long hearing on the building owner's building permit application at City Hall was heated and emotional at times as attorneys for both the building owner and the city made their arguments after months of back and forth.

The most recent owner of the building at 2437 S. Michigan Av. purchased the site in 2021 with plans to turn it into a 21-story building for seniors. This project would also commemorate the 21 victims who died there one of the city's deadliest tragedies in February 2023.

“We made promises to these surviving families, who are wonderful people, because I got to know them very well and they suffer every day. No one should be forced to face the loss of a loved one every day; See their place that they perished,” said building owner Randy Shifrin.

On February 17, 2003, a security guard sprayed pepper spray to break up a fight at E2 – causing panic in the crowded club. The crowd rushed towards the main exit, but since the doors opened inwards, the guests could not exit as the weight of the crowd pressed against the doors.

It took first responders 40 minutes to help those who were trampled and suffocated. By then it was too late. 21 people died and dozens more were injured.

By this time, the club was way over capacity and had ignored a judge's order to close the second floor due to a building code violation.

The nightclub has been empty since then.

The two-story building at 2347 S. Michigan Ave. in the Motor Row District on the southern edge of the South Loop is more than 110 years old. In June the owner was asked to either demolish it or make it safe.

Many people want the site to be turned into a permanent memorial to the victims of the nightclub stampede.

Howard Ray's brother Deshand was one of the victims of the E2 stampede. Howard said he was present at Thursday's hearing to speak on behalf of all of the victims' families who were unable to attend.

“Our goal is simple. We don't want our loved ones' memories to be erased. That’s why we propose a meeting with the city and ownership,” he said.

Laneisha Crawford spoke tearfully about her mother, Demetricta Cardwell, who was also killed that night.

“If you don’t tear it down, try to put something else good there because we deserve something that will be remembered by our families,” she said.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, the building's owner offered the building to the city to house migrants for just $1 a year.

The city rejected his offer and he was hit with violations from building inspectors, prompting the city to file a lawsuit for failing to demolish the building within 15 days of the announcement.

The owner, who has now lost thousands of dollars after trying to comply with the demolition order, faces opposition from the Historic Preservation Commission, which is committed to preserving the building.

“The Department of Planning and Development opposes the demolition permit because the demolition of this building would be inconsistent with all relevant standards and policies,” said Ellen McLaughlin, Chicago’s chief assistant corporation counsel.

“All we demand is equality and fairness. If we're going to jump over the boundaries or if the city has an interstate dispute, then resolve that dispute before they act as a claimant,” said E2's attorney, former Ald. Howard Brookins.

The landmark commission plans to vote on its final recommendation on the demolition application on November 4. This decision must still be presented to the Chicago City Council before it is final.