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Chicago P.D. movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Chicago P.D. filmed?

2014

City Locations

Chicago, Illinois (USA)

Location Types

House, Film Studio, Storefront, Office

Location Styles

Federal Building, Dilapidated/Neglected, Colonial, Modern Building

About Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D. is a gripping American police procedural drama series that Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead created. It made its debut on NBC on January 8, 2014. The series follows the uniformed police officers and the Intelligence Unit of the 21st District of the Chicago Police Department as they tackle the city's major street offenses. The main cast of the series includes Jon Seda, Jason Beghe, Jesse Lee Soffer, Sophia Bush, Patrick John Flueger, and others.

The series follows Voight (Jason Beghe) and the Intelligence Unit as they combat the city's most serious offenses, including organized crime, drug trafficking, murder, and corruption. However, the team is under constant pressure from the federal government and the city's citizens to uphold the law, but that doesn't stop them from using their unique brand of justice to protect their beloved city. Throughout the series, the team also deals with many personal struggles, such as broken relationships, loyalty battles, and the consequences of their actions.

Chicago P.D., the acclaimed TV series, has been honored with numerous awards and nominations. Jon Seda clinched the Imagen Foundation Awards for Best Supporting Actor/Television in 2014 and then again as Best Actor/Television in 2016. Despite these accolades, the show has experienced a mixed response from critics. Alessandra Stanley from The New York Times offered a positive critique of the show at its premiere, describing it as a reminder of an older era of crime shows primarily led by male characters. However, she also commended the series for making space for competent female characters respected by their peers.

Chicago P.D. Locations

The acclaimed TV series Chicago P.D. captivates audiences through its gripping narratives and authentic, on-location filming. The series is shot entirely in the heart of the Windy City, offering viewers an immersive experience of Chicago's rich urban landscape.

One of the most frequently utilized areas for filming is the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, known for its colorful murals and thriving arts scene. Here, around 18th Street, the production often sets up shop, bringing the drama and intensity of the show to life amidst the backdrop of this bustling locale.

The real-life location of the fictional District 21 of the Chicago P.D. is another noteworthy spot. Filmed at the UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St., this venue adds a layer of authenticity to the series. However, it's worth noting that this is a functioning police station, so while interior tours may not be possible, the exterior makes for an excellent selfie backdrop for show fans.

Moreover, the characters often frequent Canal Street's White Palace Grill at 1159 S. Canal St., which offers a quintessential American diner experience. The series also takes viewers on a tour of various local bars and restaurants scattered throughout the city, showcasing the diverse culinary scene of Chicago.

A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile for any show fan. Not only would it provide an exciting opportunity to walk in the footsteps of favorite characters, but it would also offer a chance to explore the cultural richness and architectural beauty of one of America's most iconic cities. In essence, the city of Chicago serves as an additional character in the series, its distinctive neighborhoods and landmarks shaping the narrative and adding depth to the storytelling.

The police station scenes in Chicago P.D.

UIC Police Station, 943 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL

In the inaugural episode of Chicago P.D., the intelligence unit introduces viewers to a high-stakes investigation. They're tasked with solving a series of gruesome beheadings linked to a Colombian drug gang. An essential character in this narrative is D'Anthony (Isaac White), who, despite intense questioning, remains silent and is eventually released to his family. In an iconic moment, Voight (Jason Beghe) hands D'Anthony his phone number, signaling his willingness to help the young man escape his troubled life within the gang.

This pivotal scene, filled with tension and intrigue, was filmed in the UIC Police Station at 943 W Maxwell St, Chicago. This historic building serves as the backdrop for the series' police department. Constructed in 1888 by the esteemed architectural firm Edbrooke and Burnham, this station is a remarkable testament to early Chicago neighborhood police stations, meticulously preserved. Its brick facade tells the story of Chicago's early immigrants and the evolution of its police department.

Please note that the UIC Police Station is still a fully operational facility, so while you might want to visit this iconic filming location, wandering around the premises or taking selfies is prohibited.

To reach the UIC Police Station, if you're in downtown Chicago, you can take the Blue Line train towards Forest Park and exit at the UIC-Halsted stop. From there, it's just a short walk to the police station on Maxwell Street. Remember to respect the working nature of this location during your visit.

Voight and killer at the silos scene in Chicago P.D.

Damen Grain Silos, 2860 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL

In a particularly intense episode of Chicago P.D. (episode 3, season 3), Voight (Jason Beghe), reeling from the tragic loss of his son, embarks on a personal mission to bring the killer, Kevin Bingham (Joseph Sikora), to justice. The climax of this quest takes place in a chilling scene at the abandoned Damen Grain Silos, where Voight forces Bingham to dig his own grave before preparing to execute him. In an emotionally charged exchange, Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) implores Voight to step back from the precipice of taking such a drastic action. However, Voight remains resolute, prompting Lindsay to leave the scene with a heavy heart.

The Damen Grain Silos, located at 2860 S Damen Ave, Chicago, serves as the haunting backdrop for this pivotal scene. Standing idle since an explosion in 1977, these towering structures symbolize the city's industrial past. Over the years, the silos have attracted a host of urban explorers, earning the nickname "post-apocalypse park" from one former resident.

However, it's important to note that exploring the Damen Silos is illegal and can be dangerous due to the deteriorating condition of the structures. Despite detailed instructions being available online, it is strongly advised not to attempt to access the site without proper authorization.

If you want to see the silos from a safe distance, you can reach the location by taking the Orange Line train from downtown Chicago and alighting at the Ashland stop. From there, it's a short bus ride or a 15-minute walk to the silos.

The passing of Alvin Olinsky scene in Chicago P.D.

Cinespace Studios Chicago, 2621 W 15th Pl, Chicago, IL

In the gripping finale of Chicago P.D. Season 5, titled "Homecoming," viewers witness the shocking death of detective Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas). While incarcerated for a crime Voight (Jason Beghe) committed, Olinsky meets his tragic end at the hands of a fellow inmate within the confines of his cell. The news of his demise propels Voight to seek vengeance, culminating in him tracking down and shooting the man responsible for ordering Olinsky's murder.

These intense cell scenes were filmed at Cinespace Studios Chicago, a set built initially for the show Empire. Cinespace Studios is renowned as a leading global operator of sound stages and facilities, with an impressive portfolio of 86 stages across Toronto, Chicago, and Studio Babelsberg in Germany. Each location offers a mix of state-of-the-art, heritage, and purpose-built stages catering to diverse filming needs.

Cinespace Studios Chicago is located at 2621 West 15th Place, Chicago. It's important to note that the studio is still operational, and fans may be unable to access it freely. It's recommended to contact the owners or management for any possible visitation arrangements.

To get to Cinespace Studios from downtown Chicago, take the Pink Line train from the Harold Washington Library-State stop and alight at the Polk stop. From there, it's just a short bus ride on the 12 bus, followed by a ten-minute walk to the studios.

Halstead arrives at the shooting in an alley scene in Chicago P.D.

4400 S Princeton Ave, Chicago, IL

In Season 7, Episode 6, a devastating and heartbreaking event unfolds, leaving a lasting impact on one of the main characters, Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer). After responding to a shots-fired call at a nearby home, Halstead stumbles upon a gruesome scene: two young boys shot execution-style while engrossed in a video game.

This chilling scene catalyzed the episode's plot and was filmed at 4400 S Princeton Ave, Chicago. The location, a residential building, lends a stark realism to the scene, underlining the harsh reality of such tragic incidents.

In the aftermath of this horrific discovery, Halstead spontaneously arrests a man named Marcus West (Sammi Rotibi). However, after West is stabbed and killed in prison, it is revealed that the facial recognition software that identified him was merely in its beta stages, leading to a case of mistaken identity.

To reach this location, you can use public transportation options that serve the area or drive and use GPS for accurate directions. However, fans are advised to respect the residents' privacy. As it is privately owned, visitors should be discreet and avoid causing any disturbances.

The unit learns that Lambert is in a store scene in Chicago P.D.

Cook Brothers, 1740 N Kostner Ave, Chicago, IL

In Season 7, Episode 8, titled "No Regrets," a gripping storyline leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. Burgess (Marina Squerciati), one of the main characters, shares the news of her pregnancy with Aadm Ruzek (Patrick Flueger), adding a personal dimension to the high-stakes world of law enforcement they navigate daily.

The core of this episode revolves around a stolen vehicle case that leads Burgess and Ruzek to a local department store. Here, they trace the vehicle used by the suspect, Ray (Wendell Pierce). Burgess spots him inside the store and attempts to blend in to avoid alerting him. However, the arrival of additional police forces to retrieve the stolen vehicle tips off Ray, who starts firing at the officers. In a tense standoff, Burgess pleads with the other officers to hold fire, hoping to extract the location of a child from Ray.

This intense scene was filmed at Cook Brothers, located at 1740 N Kostner Ave, Chicago. This location is a perfect backdrop, providing an everyday setting that contrasts sharply with its dramatic events. The department store maintains the same look depicted in the series, allowing fans to revisit the scene and soak in the atmosphere.

Reaching Cook Brothers is pretty easy, given its location in the city. If you're using public transportation, the nearest bus stop is Kostner & Le Moyne, served by the 72 and 73 buses. For those driving, the store is easily accessible from I-290 W, and ample parking is available at the location.

Conclusion

The filming locations for Chicago P.D. offer a vivid portrayal of the city's dynamic backdrop, adding depth and authenticity to the series. From the iconic Chicago Riverwalk, where intense chase sequences unfold amidst the towering skyline, to the gritty streets of the South Side, each location serves as a character in its own right, shaping the narrative with its distinct urban charm.

The bustling scenes at Millennium Park capture the pulse of downtown Chicago, while the historic architecture of Wrigleyville lends a timeless allure to the storyline. Venturing into Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods, viewers are immersed in the vibrant culture and diverse communities that define the city's identity.

Moreover, the strategic use of real Chicago locales enhances the show's credibility, resonating with audiences familiar with the city's landmarks and landmarks. As Chicago P.D. continues to captivate viewers worldwide, its filming locations stand as a testament to the rich tapestry of Chicago's landscape, elevating the viewing experience with every frame.