The idea for Central Music Hall was conceived by George B. Carpenter , a local promoter of concerts and lectures . Carpenter was a member of Reverend David Swing 's popular nondenominational Central Church , and he imagined a building to be named in its honor that would provide a home for the church and also feature a concert hall , stores , and offices . Construction began in the Spring of 1879 and the auditorium ( not yet fully complete ) opened on December 5 , immediately becoming the city 's premier auditorium . It was the first significant music hall to be built following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 . The mixed-use building included a theater , six stories of office space and street-level storefronts
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Central Music Hall (Chicago)