Site of 2003 E2 nightclub stampede to be demolished – NBC Chicago

In an abrupt about-face, city officials have decided that the building that housed the E2 nightclub should be urgently demolished.

The building was the scene of the tragedy in February 2003, in which 21 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a stampede.

Developers have applied for a permit to demolish the South Loop building to build an apartment complex there, but as recently as November that permit was denied because city officials said the historic Motor Row building should be preserved.

According to the Department of Buildings, a new inspection conducted in November 2024 revealed that the building suffered from various structural problems, including failure of the arched roof system, a partially collapsed roof, three feet of standing water in a basement, and an open elevator shaft.

According to city code, the building was deemed “an imminent threat to first responders and the public” and the building was ordered demolished.

The future of the former E2 nightclub building, where a mass panic occurred in 2003 that killed 21 people, is uncertain as the building’s owner pushes for demolition. NBC Chicago’s Lexi Sutter reports.

That process began Tuesday as crews on site worked to dismantle and demolish the building.

On February 17, 2003, security guards at the E2 nightclub used pepper spray to break up a fight. The spray released caused people to flee the area, but when they reached the bottom of the stairs, the inward-opening doors were blocked by the weight of those attempting to escape.

In total, 21 people died in the stampede and more than 50 were injured.

Families of some victims and project developers have been seeking the demolition of the structure for years, but have encountered resistance from the city administration.