(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An online petition urges Chicago city officials to approve protections for the Lincoln Park building that long served as the headquarters of Wax Trax! Records.
Wax Trax! set up shop at 2449 N. Lincoln Ave in the late 1970s, first as a record store that championed acts like Joy Division and Bauhaus before branching out into its own label for music now known as “industrial.” The business left the spot in 1993.
“If this store or label has meant anything to you at any point in your life, we hope you will join us at preserving this important physical piece of music history,” writes petition sponsor Julia Nash, daughter of Wax Trax! co-founder Jim Nash.
The petition advocates for the building to be designated an official historic Chicago Landmark, which would protect it from exterior alterations or demolition. A historic plaque would mark the building’s significance in the music industry.
“ … the independent record store was the center of underground music and culture throughout the 1980s & 90s here in the Mid-West,” the petition says. “Artists such as Robert Plant, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Black Flag, Buzzcocks, the B-52s and others would shop the Lincoln Ave. location when passing through Chicago.”
The online petition has more than 3,500 signatories, including one nostalgic supporter who fondly recalls the Lincoln Avenue location.
“On my very first business trip to Chicago I made a beeline to the legendary Wax Trax location on Lincoln Ave for some record shopping,” Dave Lane said. “That place was iconic and really helped put Chicago on the map for me and many like-minded friends here on the East Coast. C'mon City of Chicago- please preserve this important piece of American music history!”
City officials may consider the proposal as soon as next month.
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