Muddy Waters' Home Vacant, Declared Dangerous By City Inspectors
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 25, 2013 8:30PM
Another Chicago landmark is facing the wrecking ball. This time it’s the Kenwood home of blues legend Muddy Waters. The Tribune reports the city sent a warning letter to the current owner of the home at 4339 S. Lake Park Avenue, where the Waters lived from 1954 until he moved to suburban Westmont in the late 1970s.
The home, built in 1882, is part of the North Kenwood landmark district, meaning any plan to raze it would require approval from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The building itself is in bad shape. A November inspection showed numerous code violations, including unsafe windows, stairways, porch and doors.
City officials told the Tribune the owner, listed in public records as Chandra Cooper, contacted the city to address the issues. Peter Strazzabosco, deputy commissioner at the Department of Housing and Economic Development, told the Tribune the city’s assistance will “help get the building secure, safe and viable as a residential property.”