The South Loop is a diverse, dynamic and interesting neighborhood that continues to evolve...
The Chicago neighborhood of the South Loop has been steadily increasing in popularity, driven by its proximity to the loop as well as the lakefront and Grant Park. Many loft conversions, luxury new construction buildings and the new Soldier Field have further broadened the neighborhood's appeal to visitors and prospective residents alike.
Within walking distance of the Loop, Museum Campus, the lakefront and Grant Park, the South Loop is seeing an influx of young professionals and families who want to work and play just minutes from home. A new exhibit at the Field Museum; a free concert at Millennium Park; roller-blading along the lakeshore; strolling along Michigan Avenue. Living here, the gems of the city are within easy reach. Of course Soldier Field and McCormick Place lay to the east of South Loop on the lakefront.
Columbia College and the School of the Art Institute bring many young artists and students to the South Loop. Chicago's Museum Campus is the cultural anchor of the neighborhood and attracts an abundance of tourists and culture-seekers to see the world famous Field Museum & Shedd Aquarium almost every day of the year.
Chicago’s South Loop is one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods. As the Loop area becomes saturated, people are taking advantage of the prime real estate just south of the Loop and discovering a new, exciting place to live. Bordered by the Lake Michigan, Cermak Road to the south and Canal Street to the west, the South Loop includes the historic row houses of Printer's Row and the Dearborn Park residential development.
A decade ago, there wasn’t much in the South Loop area besides warehouses and parking lots. There were very few residences and much of the neighborhood seemed dusty and unused. The area has a long history; land speculators began assessing the area as far back as 1830, yet it remained largely industrial for over 150 years. It is, in fact, a bit of a mystery why the neighborhood, with its proximity to so many attractive parts of the city, had been ignored for so long. At any rate, it is being ignored no longer.
It is rare to see so many new developments in one place. Cranes are a common sight and buildings are being thrown up to the sky at startling speeds; providing buyers with unlimited options. The last few years have brought more change to the South Loop than the last century. Indeed, its future holds still greater change. Developers are building condominiums, lofts and townhomes. Commercial space is also being planned all over the area. The South Loop is studded with new construction and the area is unusually dynamic.
Although still a relatively new neighborhood, the South Loop has an active community organization known as the South Loop Neighbors. It organizes activities such as the Annual Photo Show, which invites inhabitants of the area to submit personal photography which highlights the culture and history of the area, and the Annual Loft Walk, which takes visitors on a tour of several private residences in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood is still growing and becoming increasingly self-sufficient, with everything its inhabitants need close at hand. Apart from dining and shopping, services such as churches, childcare centers and grocery stores are becoming more visible. If the last few years are any indication, this growth spurt is just the beginning.
Transportation in the South Loop is a snap, with access to Metra, the El Blue, Red, Green and Orange Lines, and CTA busses on many major streets. The South Loop also has I-90 on its western edge and I-41 along the lake shore.
Despite the frantic building boom, the South Loop retains a mellow vibe. It is neither busy nor crowded, and invites its residents to take peaceful strolls along the sidewalk. The neighborhood finds a balance between growth and peace, and its inhabitants are pleased with the result. Already, this is one of the more pleasant areas in Chicago, and as it becomes more fully developed, its allure will only grow.