City to Propose Landmark Status for Old Schlitz Tied Houses
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Oct 7, 2010 4:00PM
During pre-Prohibition days, tied houses were the original brewpubs. they were taverns that sold only the brand of beer that they were "tied" to. Chicago was a heavy tied house town during the day with Schlitz, and the distinctive globes and architecture can be found throughout the city.
Lee Bey reports on Vocalo today that City Council is slated to introduce landmark status for eight Schlitz tied houses at 1801 W. Division St. (currently housing Mac's American Pub); 11400 S. Front Ave.; 3456 S. Western Av. (home to a package store in McKinley Park); 958 W. 69th St. (home to another package store and tavern); 2159 W. Belmont Av. (Schubas, home to a Starbucks); 1944 N. Oakley Av. (Floyd's Pub in Bucktown); 3159 N. Southport Ave. (Schubas, the best known of the lot) ; and 5120 N. Broadway.
Landmark status is also being requested for a former Schlitz stable at 11314 S. Front St., which still brews beer today as Argus Brewery. Forgotten Chicago has a very informative section on the tied houses.