In 1988, the Smashing Pumpkins played their first show at the Chicago 21 Club, a Polish nightclub located at 6020 W. Belmont Ave. on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Nearly four decades later, while the band has achieved international recognition, the venue has remained closed for over ten years and is now facing possible demolition.
Dan Pogorzelski, a local historian from the Northwest Side, is leading efforts to preserve parts of the club—specifically its ornately carved wooden doors. According to Pogorzelski, these doors were crafted by sculptor Julian Harr and display carvings of apes, suns, and stars. He described them as needing some care but otherwise in good shape.
“So many amazing artists all began their careers here [in Chicago] but so much of it has been destroyed and lost over the years,” Pogorzelski said.
The property that includes the former nightclub was sold to GMX Rega OC LLC in 2023. A Starbucks drive-through had been planned for the site after approval by the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals in November 2024. However, Alderman Ruth Cruz (30th) stated that those plans are no longer moving forward and there are currently no new proposals for development. Cruz expressed support for preserving the club’s doors and noted that no demolition permits have been issued.
After sharing photos of the doors on Instagram and asking followers if they should be saved, Pogorzelski received significant community interest in preservation efforts.
Geo Folkers from Northern Indiana—a long-time fan of Smashing Pumpkins—previously purchased the old club sign about ten years ago after learning about its history with the band. Folkers said: “I realized there was a lot of history there that I thought was going to disappear.”
Folkers contacted Pogorzelski regarding preservation as he works on opening a Smashing Pumpkins museum; he believes that adding the doors would be valuable.
Pogorzelski also suggested involvement from members of Smashing Pumpkins could help save this piece of music history. He referenced how Billy Corgan—the band’s frontman—received another historic sign from his wife in 2022; it now hangs at Madam ZuZu’s Teashop in Highland Park.
Corgan responded via email: “all for it” regarding saving the Chicago 21 Club doors but said his involvement would depend on circumstances. He added he lived near the club with his father between 1984-1989.
Pogorzelski hopes to see these doors eventually housed at an institution such as the Chicago Cultural Center or Chicago History Museum.
Folkers emphasized preserving venues tied to musical heritage: “The history of what the band did for Chicago and for the world as a whole I think is huge and it’s important people know about it.”
