WICKER PARK — Though Double Door's owners have vowed to fight a judge's ruling to evict the music club from its longtime home in Wicker Park — and they could be staying for at least several months depending on how things pan out — fans are worried and sentimental.
"If this was a '90s movie, this is the part where all the kids would get together and put on a benefit show to save the Double Door. Who's with me?" said Bucktown resident Jeff Yoders on Facebook late Thursday.
Outside the club at 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave. just hours after the eviction ruling, most people were unaware of what was going on.
Lee Ann Nell was shocked.
"I saw Foreign Exchange there!" said Nell, an 8-year-resident of Wicker Park who recalled the most recent of an estimated 10 shows she's seen at the venue.
On Thursday night, Double Door was only about one-fifth full as St. Louis-based indie band FreeThinker played.
The following night's show, featuring Helmet and Tight Phantomz is sold out, though, said Sean Mulroney, co-owner of the club since its founding in June 1994.
"This room has memories for the whole city, anyone that comes here has a good story to tell," Mulroney said.
During the past few months, Mulroney said that he's heard from so many people whose lives have been impacted by Double Door.
"Three people have told me they met their spouses here," Mulroney said.
RELATED: Double Door Ordered To Leave Wicker Park Location By Judge
Mulroney said he and co-owner Joe Shanahan, who was out of town on an annual fishing trip, plan to appeal the Circuit Court ruling at the appellate court level.
Next week, Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) is arranging a meeting with Brian Strauss, the building's owner, to try and see if there is a way for the club to stay, Mulroney said.
Moreno introduced an ordinance to change the building's zoning back in April. And while he was silent at the time about his motivations, the Wicker Park alderman did so in order to protect Double Door by making the property less appealing to future renters, Mulroney said.
By changing the zoning to a designation to one designed for low-traffic streets and lower uses, any new owner or renter would have to go through a long zoning and community process to "upzone" it for a tavern license.
Moreno did not respond to requests for comment early Friday, nor did Mayor Rahm Emanuel, reportedly a fan of the Double Door, having attended a 2011 Black Joe Lewis show and other concerts, Mulroney said.
Mulroney said he wants to buy the building, too, but is at odds with Strauss over what the building is worth.
"We're very far apart in price; [Strauss] wants $10.3 [million], it's worth six [million]," Mulroney said.
Late Thursday, the club assured fans that everything was okay, and thanked them.
"Thank you everyone for the support. It is business as usual with confirmed shows booked and announced through 2017, and we look forward to hosting many more events for you in the years to come. Visit www.doubledoor.com for our list of events, and see you soon!" Double Door posted on its Facebook page.
On social media, musicians and fans expressed their support of the club.
"THANK YOU @doubledoor : You always supported the local artists and we won't forget it. #doubledoor #chicago," tweeted Darren Vorel, a member of That Lying Bitch, a punk rock band.
THANK YOU @doubledoor : You always supported the local artists and we won't forget it. #doubledoor #chicago pic.twitter.com/1KUSqFkJhb
— Darren Vorel (@darrenvorel) July 14, 2016
I saw #BuffaloTom play a great #DoubleDoor show. The #RollingStones played there in 1997- tickets were just $7. #sad https://t.co/muMSSFNVnC
— Scott Kenemore (@ScottKenemore) July 15, 2016
Wow soooo many good memories and so many good bands Ive seen at @doubledoor this CANT be the end! #doubledoor #Savedoubledoor!!!
— Eric Giulio (@TruthinShadows) July 15, 2016
Double Door's sign, July 15, 2016. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
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