In 2015,
Morton Salt relocated their packaging and warehousing facility, leaving the building that they previously used vacant. Chicago-based hospitality collective 16" on Center, Blue Star Properties, R2, and Sky Deck came together to repurpose the vacant building as a "multi-purpose creative hub, with music as its beating heart." The property was sold in 2017 for $15 million. After being designated as an official
City of Chicago Landmark, the building went under a $50 million renovation designed by Aric Lasher of
HBRA Architects. The Fairgrounds opened to the public on August 3, 2022, with a performance by
Fleet Foxes. After renovations were completed, The Shed opened to the public on February 18, 2023, with a performance by
Big Gigantic. In January 2025,
Green Thumb Industries and The Salt Shed announced a two-year partnership to sell THC products on-site, including marijuana, gummies and chocolates, and THC
Margaritas. == Events ==