E2 DEMOLITION WIPES MEMORY OF POPULAR CLUB FROM HISTORY
Karl Clermont Recalls Special Moments Inside Michigan Avenue Night Spot
CHICAGO , IL - E2 was the popular South Loop night club above the Epitome restaurant at 2347 South Michigan Avenue, where business organizations held special, events families, families held weddings, and up and coming professionals came to have a good time, eat good food and listen to good music while creating good memories.
Then tragedy struck: On February 17, 2003, a fight broke out and a security guard, in a desperate attempot to break up the fight and stop the violence, ustampede ed pepper spray, creating a panic mong those in attendance who suddenly couldn't see nd couldn't breathe. A stampede toward the exits ensued and 21 people died, tramped to death in the chaos. More than 50 others were injured, and this shocking event signalled the end of the E2 nightclub.
After a highly emotional court cas, the club's owners were convicted of criminal contemptt for their failure to keep the facility up to code. They were sentenced to two years probation.
The E2 nightclub has remained vacant for nearly 12 years, but its presence was a sad reminder of ttht fateful day when 21 people lost their lives. Then, on December 19, 2024, demolition began on the building and in just a few days, an empty lot was all that was left. The once popular E2 nightclub is now just a memory. Photos by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
The E2 nightclub was a regular evening hang out for many who worked in and around the downtown area, offering a classy social spot for the young urban professional crowd. However, fighting in the club was slowly becoming a common occurrence, despite the generally upscale patrons. When a fight between patrons triggered a security guard to start spraying pepper spray, the spray's noxious fumes prompted many to head for the exit down a steep stairwell, where they tripped over each other and fell and were trapped at the narrow doors which opened inward - a fire code violation. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
According to a report posted by ABC7 Chicago, on November 8, 2024, the Landmarks Commission voted to preserve the 2347 South Michigan Avenue building because of its connection to the city's historic Motor Row District. However, inspections found the building unsafe and an emergency order was later issued for immediate demolition. By the end of December, 2024, demolition crews removed all traces of the building that once housed the E2 nightclub, leaving an open space on the northeast corner of 24th and Michigan Avenue. Some speculate that a residential building may replace it. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
After fencing off the street to protect pedestrians, demolition crews began on the side of the building facing 23rd street. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
The highrise structures that flanked the Epitome Restaurant building remained untouched through out the demolition process. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
The last to fall to the wrecking ball were the tall beams holding up the restaurant's high ceilings. Photo by John L. Alexander/ON AIR Daily News
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY NOW OFFERING RAIL FLAGGER JOBS
by Naimah Latif
ON AIR Daily News
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced the availability of joobs as a Rail Flagger, but applicants must apply by Saturday, March 1, 2025.
A Rail Flagger, also known as a Railroad Flagman, is a safety professional who ensures the safety of railroad workers and the public by controlling train traffic. A rail flagger is responsible for:
* Directing or restricting train movement
* Signaling train operators to slow down or stop
* Communicating with a team of operators and on-track equipment
* Providing notice of approacing trains
* Ensuring construction crews' work is clear of the track beforw trains pass
* Providing notice when track is clear for construction to resume.
To qualify as a rail flagger, one must have a proven safety and rules compliance record; the ability towork away from home for extended periods; clear background check; no driving related alcohol or drug convictions within the last 3 years; and the ability to learn new railroads and their rules.
nonFlaggers are trained to follow company procedures, incllding communicating with train operators and knowing train schedules. The need for manual signaling has decreased with the advent of more sophisticated communication systems and automation. However, flaggers are still sometimes used in non-signaled territory.
Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of the Council on American Islamic Relations - Chicago (CAIR - Chicago) stated that the statements by Illinois Senator Sara Feigenholtz were some of the most extreme he had ever heard from a public official and could incite hate crimes against Muslim such as .the recent murder of a 6 -year old Palestinian American in Illinois.
"We call on her to apologize and resign from office," he said. CAIR is also calling on Illinois Senate President Don Harmon to remove her from committee leadership positions.
Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition said, "We have lost complete trust and faith" in the leadership of Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, adding that her remarks could put her Muslim constituents "in harms way" of hate crimes.
"Her actions may be putting our city's residents in danger," she said.
Marty Levin, of Jewish Voices For Peace-Chicago quoted,"What is hateful to you do not do unto others," which he said comes from the Jewish tradition. He noted that his mother fled Russia to escape genocide.
"Words do matter. This is a time when we must hold all of us accountable and hold our elected officials to a higher standard."
"Sen.Sara Feigenholtz words and actions were not words of political disagreement. They were words that are hateful."