Chicago Culture Cornerstone 16 On Center Unveils Its Newest Destination

Introducing Three Top Lounge at the Salt Shed: An Elevated Experience Within Chicago’s Premier Entertainment Destination

Chicago, IL – October 23, 2024 – 16 On Center, the music and hospitality collective behind some of Chicago’s most beloved venues, is excited to introduce Three Top Lounge, a new addition to the Salt Shed’s third floor. With its sleek design, bespoke, high-end finishes, attentive service, and expansive views of Chicago’s skyline, Three Top Lounge aims to offer guests a refined experience with curated programming, specialty cocktails and food made with local and seasonal ingredients. As a key player in Chicago's cultural scene, the Salt Shed’s latest addition, opening on November 1st, will not only further its commitment to providing first-in-class events, but expand it with an atmosphere primed to enhance every visit.

Venues Now spoke to 16 On Center founders Bruce Finkelman and Craig Golden, where they discussed the inspiration behind the space saying, “We were trying to make it into a comfortable, warm, elegant, unique experience. Not unlike The Shed or other venues that we do; we like to have a moment when you walk in and your heart skips a little beat and you think, ‘I did not expect this to be here.’ This place does that well.” - read the full interview here.

Located in Chicago’s Goose Island neighborhood, known as a hotspot for entertainment and nightlife, the Salt Shed has become a gathering place for music enthusiasts and the city’s creatives. Offering a versatile space perfect for private events, pre-show gatherings, or simply taking in the energy of the Salt Shed, the launch of Three Top Lounge brings an added touch of sophistication to the venue, providing a stylish, yet comfortable space for guests to enjoy. Following a soft-opening earlier this summer which hosted André 3000, this November’s official launch will see performances and events featuring Leon Bridges, International Anthem, Ayana Contreras, with more announcements to come.

More than just a venue, the Salt Shed is a reimagined space for creativity and community. Set in the historic Morton Salt Factory which was in operation from the early 20th century until its restoration in 2015, numerous features of the building have remained preserved, including the company’s iconic Umbrella Girl rooftop sign. Since then, The Salt Shed has quickly transformed into a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural landscape, hosting unforgettable performances and events. Now, with the addition of Three Top Lounge, 16 On Center will further demonstrate why they are the leaders in shaping Chicago’s entertainment and hospitality scene.

With more than one million tickets sold annually, 16 On Center, the Chicago-based, homegrown music and hospitality collective has devoted more than 30 years. In that time, they’ve created Chicago’s new neighborhood staples by restoring some of their most iconic cultural landmarks. By transforming once-abandoned buildings into state-of-the-art venues like The Salt Shed, 16OC’s mission to revive some of the city’s most storied structures has allowed their histories to endure. From their first venue, The Empty Bottle, to the ~9,000 total-capacity Salt Shed, 16 OC has provided a platform for artists like Japanese Breakfast, Sturgill Simpson, Brandi Carlile, Angel Olsen, and many more, helping them grow while staying independent. Each of their 18 locations offers a unique space for artists across genres to connect with audiences.

Find out more about upcoming events at the Salt Shed and Three Top Lounge here, on their Instagram, Facebook, or text “3TOP” to (312) 847- 4443 for special announcements and more.