SALTY SINCE 1929

While the Salt Shed opened its gates for the first time in 2022, the Morton Salt complex it inhabited has been an iconic fixture in Chicago for nearly 100 years. The facility was once informally called the “Elston Dock” and was designed to house the local salt, packaging, and distribution operations. For years, operations remained steady, and the stability of the plant is what led to the iconic nature of the building. It didn’t matter the decade you drove through Chicago; you knew you could count on the Morton Salt logo to greet you on your way into town. When operations ceased in 2015, the space became vacated, unleashing a world of possibilities for what the Morton Salt landmark could eventually become.

After the closure of the Morton Salt factory, the allure and undying curiosity in the iconic structure led 16 on Center (of Empty Bottle and Thalia Hall fame) with local developer Blue Star Properties, alongside R2 and Sky Deck, to combine forces in an effort to transform the Morton Salt building into a multi-purpose creative hub, with music as its beating heart.

From grandiose visions of what the venue could become, to the hundreds of workers transforming the space while protecting the architectural integrity of the building, the project has been a true labor of love.

We’re so happy to share with you this beautiful venue in its entirety. Most importantly, the Morton Salt logo is still around to greet you as you head into the beautiful city of Chicago we call home.