Paragon Studios, Chicago’s oldest, continuously-operating sound studio, has closed after 46 years – not for lack of business but because its West Loop building had been sold.
“The landlord sold the building we’ve occupied for 25 years, right from under us, just like that, and gave us three weeks — until Dec. 1 — to vacate the space,” says Paragon owner Ned Englehart, who is still in shock from the sudden notice to move.
Paragon has occupied 10,000-sq. ft. of space on the fourth floor at 820 W. Fulton Market, in what originally had been the Ballpark Franks’ factory. The main tracking room, 36×24-ft., was one of Chicago’s largest and easily accommodated large bands.
“We have quite a bit of equipment for sale,” says Englehart, referring to more than 80 pieces of gear that he decided to sell rather than put it in storage, although he is hopeful of reopening the studio in another location after its departure from Fulton Market.
The most important and possibly the most valuable item is Paragon’s famous vintage Trident TSM console. “We recently had it reconditioned to its original state so it’s like brand new.”
The Trident was originally imported from London to New York and was used by recording legends Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Queen Elvis Presley and countless others.
Paragon Recording Studios was founded in 1969 by the late Marty Feldman, the in-demand engineer who worked with a veritable Who’s Who of worldwide R&B, soul, jazz, rock and blues luminaries.
He built a studio in Streeterville that, at the time, was on the cutting edge of technology, music and creativity. It was a busy center for commercials back in the day when recording original jingles was at its peak.
One of Paragon’s last sessions was for alternative Chicago rock band, Weight of the World, which recorded tracks for its debut EP, “Open Your Eyes,” scheduled for release this month.
For a list of Paragon equipment for sale, contact Englehart at 312/942-0075 or 312/961-6100; info@paragonstudiosinc.com.
