Double Door, the iconic club in the heart of Wicker Park's, could host its last show this weekend. The venue, which opened in 1994, is facing eviction after a lengthy legal battle with the building's owners. According to a report from DNAinfo, the trial between Double Door's owners and the club's landlord came to a close on Tuesday, and the judge could make a ruling on Monday.
What's going on with the venue that once hosted the likes of the Smashing Pumpkins, Liz Phair and the Flaming Lips? Well, it's a complicated feud that leaves both sides looking foolish. According to the attorney of the landlord, Brian Strauss, Double Door owner Sean Mulroney did not give proper notice of his intention to renew the lease on the space, which expired at the end of October 2015. Mulroney sent Strauss a text message the week before the lease was up regarding a renewal, and claims that he left a letter at the club for him. Strauss' argument is that Mulroney was required to send such a letter via certified mail at least 180 days before the end of the lease.
So, basically, it seems like Mulroney simply didn't have his shit together, and Strauss is hoping to regain control of the valuable Wicker Park property. The two sides could not come to an agreement outside of court, and now the fate of one of the most storied music venues in the city is in the hands of Cook County Judge Orville Hambright Jr.
Double Door's calendar shows events booked through October, but if the judge rules in favor of eviction, artists will be forced to find a new venue. This Saturday, the monthly R&B, soul and funk dance party Soul Summit is set to take place at the venue—it's one of the more popular events the space hosts.
If the judge rules against Mulroney and company, though, it could be the last time you'll have the chance to twinkle your toes on Double Door's stage to the straight funky tunes that Soul Summit serves up.
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