Built to Spill at Thalia Hall, 8.18.22 Pilsen has long served as a historical haven for Chicago immigrants on the lower west-side of Chicago, first for the German and Czech population who gave the neighborhood its name, and then most notably as the Mexican American cultural center of the city in the second half of the 20 th century. Gentrification, however, has pushed the Hispanic population farther west to Little Village as new developments and University of Chicago students have moved in from the east. Through all the demographic changes and cultural stratification though, Thalia Hall has stood on the corner of Allport and 18 th street, a relic from a time where Pilsen could warrant an opera house and now presents itself as a multilevel punch bar, new American restaurant, and concert venue. For some, Thalia Hall is another sign of gentrification, but as a Chicago Historical Landmark, it would be worse to withhold it from the community. Owners 16’’ on Center to their credit, h...
a subjective look at objective sounds