MUDDY'S
FIRST HOUSE
Located at 4339 South Lake Park Avenue, this historic Chicago Landmark was once the home of McKinley Morganfield—better known as Muddy Waters, the legendary father of modern Chicago blues. It was the first house he ever purchased, and when he moved to Chicago from the South, it quickly became more than just a residence—it was a sanctuary and a creative hub. The home soon transformed into a vibrant gathering place for Muddy and fellow blues musicians, where impromptu jam sessions in the basement gave birth to the electrified Chicago blues sound that continues to influence music today.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service and is a proud member of the African American Civil Rights Network, recognized for its vital role in African American history and the cultural impact of the Great Migration.
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How You Can Help
Below you'll find the plan to preserve this historical landmark. However, this will not be achieved without support from the community and blues fans across the world. With your donation, we can honor Muddy Waters and celebrate the Chicago blues properly. The home will be such a great asset to the city of Chicago.
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NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The Muddy Waters MOJO Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that honors its national cultural and historical significance. This was the longtime home of blues icon Muddy Waters, where he lived, wrote music, and hosted legendary jam sessions that helped shape the electrified Chicago blues sound and influence generations of musicians.
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Being on the National Register is meaningful because it helps protect the building from demolition or inappropriate changes, while also opening up opportunities for funding and preservation support. It ensures that the legacy of Muddy Waters—and the broader story of blues, the Great Migration, and African American cultural history—is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
CHICAGO LANDMARK DESIGNATION
The Muddy Waters MOJO Museum also officially earned Chicago Landmark Designation in the fall of 2021. Chicago’s City Council voted unanimously to preserve the historic two-flat building at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave in North Kenwood.
"What's significant about landmark status is that this building will never be demolished. It's going to be forever protected. This was an essential step to preserve blues culture and for the legacy of African American history," says board president and Waters' great-grandaughter, Chandra Cooper.
The board believes the landmark status will help garner the type of recognition the house deserves. It also has the potential to attract additional funding opportunities and to keep the museum alive.
THE PLANS
The First Floor
The first floor will be a community museum honoring the blues legend. Photography, art, stories, and memorabilia of Muddy Waters would be featured.
The museum would be a way to educate youth from both Chicago and surrounding suburbs on the importance of blues education. Musicians could teach classes. For example, lessons that focus on empowering women and girls to know the history of blues and learn how to play music. Muddy-inspired merchandise would be sold.
