An iconic South Side dry cleaners known for its futuristic design and appearances in film and music videos is preparing to close after nearly seven decades in Chatham.
Pride Cleaners, located at 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, is scheduled to shut its doors Friday. The business has operated at 558 E. 79th St. since 1959.
Designed during the height of the Space Age by Chicago architect Gerald Siegwart, the glass-wrapped structure stands out in a city dominated by flat rooftops and traditional commercial blocks.
The cleaners gained national attention when it appeared in the 2001 film “Ali,” starring Will Smith. More recently, the building and its illuminated sign were featured in a 2025 music video by Chance the Rapper.
Despite its cultural profile and architectural significance, the property does not have official city landmark protection. According to the Chicago Suntimes, there is no new operator currently lined up to take over the business, leaving the future of the distinctive Chatham site uncertain.
Community members and preservation advocates have expressed concern that the closure could lead to vacancy or redevelopment, potentially putting one of the South Side’s most recognizable mid-century commercial buildings at risk.