Legendary Jazz Record Mart Leaving Downtown

One of Chicago's most iconic record stores is on borrowed time. Jazz Record Mart will leave its storefront at 27 E Illinois as owner Bob Koester confirmed a deal was in place for a private record collector to buy his entire inventory. If the deal falls through, Koester says he wants to relocate the store closer to his North Center-based record label, Delmark Records.

Koester bought Seymour's Record Mart in 1959 and moved it several times throughout downtown before settling at its current location a decade ago, according to DNA Info. Koester's rent is $12k/month but rising River North rents have priced him out of the market, and his son doesn't want to follow him into the retail market.

Koester says he'll give his landlord 60 days notice once the deal for his records is complete. The move leaves Reckless Records as the only record store downtown. [DNA]

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Chicago Newsletters
Related Stories

Philly Retail Momentum Spills From Rittenhouse Into Northern Liberties

Mars Factory Overhaul Stalls As Candymaker's Chicago Expansion Accelerates

Forget Buildings, Retailers Are Leasing Environments

Immigration Crackdowns Dealt LA Businesses A Multimillion‑Dollar Blow

Mamdani Adds Millions To Program Helping Retailers Negotiate With Landlords

While Chicago Development Stalls, Fulton Market Keeps Building

AI Has Saved Time But Muddied Traffic Data For CRE Marketing Execs

How JLL Uses Experiences To Give Retail Customers 'A Reason To Be There'

Culver Commons To Bring New Dining, Retail Options To Bustling Suburban Los Angeles Location

Sony Reopening Hollywood ArcLight, Cinerama Dome Theaters

Amazon Close To Deal For Goose Island Warehouse: The Chicago Deal Sheet

Cracker Barrel Closes Sale-Leaseback On 26 Stores, Sells 35 Maple Street Biscuit Restaurants