[Slowhand] Checkerboard Lounge to Move to a Mall?

[David Hillman]

"Sandra K. Anderson" <ska946 at northwestern.edu> wrote...
> The University of Chicago has made a bid to lure the legendary
> Checkerboard Lounge (once owned by Buddy Guy) to its campus.  The club's
> longtime owner, L.C. Thurman, has signed a letter of intent with the
> university that could move Thurman and the Checkerboard name to a mall
> in space owned by the university.  Evidently the Club (located on 43rd
> Street)  has been closed since last Spring because of building code
> violations.  The owner of the building is supposed to complete repairs
> by next July, but wants to charge Thurman twice as much rent as the
> University would.  Here is a link to the story - EC is mentioned in the
> very first paragraph.

   I used to go to the Checkerboard when I went to the University of
Chicago, and lived in Hyde Park... it would've been a lot more convenient
if they moved it years ago ;)

   In fact, the proposed location at 53rd and Harper is a block from my
old apartment.  Using the term 'mall' to describe that spot is
misleading... it's not like it's a suburban mall with a Gap.  That mall
did house our favorite liquor store, because it would sell to under-age
college kids with a smile ( as would the 'Board ).  It'd be an acceptable
spot for a blues club, unless you think it /has/ to be in the ghetto.
And if you do, the 43rd street Bronzeville location may not work much
longer either.

   That's probably the biggest change that'd happen if it gets taken under
the University's wing... it'll be closer and students, at least
undergrads, won't be able to set foot in the door.  Not that many cared
to, but a few of us had taste.

--
 D a v i d  H i l l m a n
 hillman at planet-torque.com