A Near West Side loft building known as the birthplace of house music was designated as an official Chicago landmark by City Council today.

The three-story structure at 206 S. Jefferson St. operated as The Warehouse dance club from 1977 to 1982, where Frankie Knuckles, the club’s resident DJ, originated and popularized a style of music that drew inspiration from disco, R&B, gospel, and techno. The genre came to be known as house.

Characterized by a driving beat, emotive lyrics and lush orchestration, the sound was embraced by members of Chicago’s Black and Latinx LGBTQ communities. By the end of the ‘80s, house music had become popular internationally.

The landmark designation protects the 113-year-old building’s facade and roofline elevations from alteration or demolition.

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