Printers Row is a residential neighborhood. Residents have the right to quiet enjoyment of their homes without repeated nightclub-level noise, structural vibration, and late-night amplification.

Since new ownership took over, Reserv (744 S Dearborn) has repeatedly operated in a manner inconsistent with the residential character of our community. Amplified music, heavy low-frequency bass, and live MC announcements regularly continue at levels that are plainly audible inside residential units and strong enough to cause noticeable building vibration.

Residents have made significant efforts to address this issue constructively. A meeting was held on January 14 with Gerald Joseph, the current owner and lease holder of Reserv, along with the Alderman and legal representatives, to discuss the ongoing noise concerns. Despite that meeting and the opportunity to resolve matters cooperatively, no meaningful change has occurred. The excessive noise and vibration have continued.

Although Reserv publicly lists closing times on its website, music and bass frequently continue beyond those posted hours. The low-frequency sound carries through walls and floors, and the vibration can be felt inside nearby buildings. This is not background noise. It is nightclub-level amplification in the middle of a residential district.

The Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 8-32 (Noise and Vibration Control), establishes heightened protections for residential areas during nighttime hours, defined as 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. The Code provides:

“No person shall make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise or vibration which exceeds the applicable sound level limits.”

It further states:

“No person shall cause or permit sound from any source which is plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet or more from the property line of the source.”

The ordinance specifically regulates excessive sound and vibration from commercial establishments that disturb nearby residential properties, particularly during nighttime hours.

The ongoing bass vibration and plainly audible amplified music associated with Reserv appear inconsistent with these requirements.

This is not an isolated complaint.

Residents across multiple buildings have:

• Posted repeated concerns on neighborhood discussion boards and Google Reviews
• Raised ongoing complaints on HOA boards
• Circulated petitions seeking assistance from the Alderman
• Repeated outreach to the Alderman’s office
• Shared frustrations publicly on community Facebook pages, including South Loop Neighborhood Watch

Despite sustained outreach and direct engagement with ownership and city officials, the excessive noise continues and resident frustration is growing.

Importantly, other establishments in Printers Row demonstrate that responsible operation is possible. Half Sour plays music outside the building but maintains a volume that is reasonable and respectful to nearby residents, even during long operating hours. Kasey’s on Dearborn stations staff outside to manage patron noise when guests exit. These examples show that businesses can successfully balance hospitality with respect for a residential environment.

Reserv, by contrast, continues to operate as though it is located in an entertainment district rather than in the middle of a residential community.

This situation will only become more concerning as warmer weather approaches and rooftop operations resume. If indoor amplified bass is already vibrating surrounding buildings during nighttime hours, rooftop music will significantly intensify the disruption.

We, the undersigned residents and community members, respectfully request:

Immediate and consistent enforcement of Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 8-32

• Formal review of Reserv’s operational practices and compliance history
• Review and potential modification of permitted operating hours
• Required sound mitigation measures and active crowd management
• Transparent communication from city officials regarding enforcement actions

Printers Row is not an entertainment corridor. It is a residential neighborhood. Responsible businesses can coexist here. Repeated disregard for community impact should not be normalized.

We respectfully call on the Alderman’s office, the Chicago Police Department, and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection to take measurable and visible action to protect residents’ quality of life.