WEST LOOP — Producers of MTV's "The Real World" are seeking city permission to film the TV show in a West Loop building — but officials are asking the public to stay away.
The production company R.W. Productions Inc., an affiliate of California-based Bunim/Murray Productions, has applied to film the long-running reality show in the West Loop, said Rich Moskal, director of the Chicago Film Office.
The company has applied for a special-use permit to establish "a seven-bed, temporary, group living residence" at 1100 W. Randolph St., according to city records. That group will discuss their plans for the building at a city Zoning Board of Appeals meeting June 20.
Moskal said if the application is approved, the show would take over the building in July and shoot over 12 weeks.
The application says that producers plan to film in and outside the building but cameras won't block the streets.
But they discouraged spectators, saying there won't be much to see because most of the filming will be inside. They plan to have 24-hour security.
"Spectators are not encouraged — there will be nothing for them to see since most filming occurs indoors," the applications states.
Noise levels will remain "normal" outside the building and there will be "no music, parties or events" at the building.
They don't plan to make major changes to the outside of the building, but plan to add greenery, paint the building and add lighting. Inside, they will install showers and a kitchen.
"We want this building to embody Chicago," the applications says.
Bunim/Murray Productions did not respond to requests for comment.
The show held a casting call in Chicago in March. The show previously filmed in Chicago in 2002.
The building formerly housed Bon V, a nightclub owned in part by Casey Urlacher, brother of star Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. Current and former Bears players frequented the club.
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