90-594: The Prairie Avenue District is a historic district in the Near South Side community area of Chicago , Illinois . It includes the 1800 and 1900 blocks of South Prairie Avenue and the 1800 block of South Indiana, and 211-217 East Cullerton. It was the site of the Battle of Fort Dearborn and became the city's most fashionable residential district after the Great Chicago Fire . It was designated
180-572: A Chicago Landmark on December 27, 1979. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 1972. The John J. Glessner House , designed and built by Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885–1886 at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue, has been restored as a historic house museum , and is open for public tours. In 2006, the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance, a non-profit organization
270-603: A sculpture by Pablo Picasso and the state law courts. Given its proximity to government offices, the center's plaza serves as a kind of town square for celebrations, protests, and other events. The Loop is in South Chicago Township within Cook County. Townships in Chicago were abolished for governmental purposes in 1902 but are still used for property assessment. The nearby James R. Thompson Center
360-464: A personal vehicle at all, compared to 26.4 percent citywide and 12.6 percent regionally. The Loop is Community Area 32. In addition to the financial ( West Loop–LaSalle Street Historic District ), theatre, and jewelry ( Jewelers Row District ) districts, there are neighborhoods that are also part of the Loop community area. According to the 2010 census, 29,283 people live in the neighborhoods in or near
450-561: A public housing and warehouse district , and finally to the home of a newly gentrified residential district. The Near South Side was initially noted for wagon trails winding through a lightly populated bend of Lake Michigan . It was on one of these trails that the Fort Dearborn Massacre occurred in 1812. This area was first populated by settlers working for the Illinois & Michigan Canal , who subsequently worked in
540-484: Is a mixed-use district bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, the Chicago River to the north, Randolph Street to the south, and Lake Shore Drive to the east. It encompasses the entire Illinois Center and Lakeshore East is the latest lead-developer of the 1969 Planned Development #70, as well as separate developments like Aon Center, Prudential Plaza, Park Millennium Condominium Building, Hyatt Regency Chicago, and
630-452: Is a section of Grant Park, opened in the summer of 2004 and features Frank Gehry 's Jay Pritzker Pavilion , Jaume Plensa 's Crown Fountain , and Anish Kapoor 's Cloud Gate sculpture along Lake Michigan . The Chicago River and its accompanying Chicago Riverwalk, which delineates the area, also provides entertainment and recreational opportunities, including the annual dyeing of the river green in honor of St. Patrick's Day . Trips down
720-582: Is across the street. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is located on LaSalle Street in the heart of the financial district. The United States Postal Service operates the Loop Station Post Office at 211 South Clark Street. The Chicago Fire Department operates 3 Fire Stations in the Loop District: Several countries maintain consulates in the Loop. They include Argentina , Australia , Canada , Costa Rica ,
810-466: Is bounded by 14th Street, South Indiana Avenue and townhouse developments. The Grant Park Extension lies east of One Museum Park and South of Roosevelt. The developers donated 1.5 acres (6,100 m ) for one park to the city and developed the other two as part of its approval process. The donated tract protects the northward view of Grant Park. Fairs and exhibitions held on the lakefront sites created demand for an exhibition hall. In 1960, construction
900-491: Is located near 18th and Calumet Avenue, the site which marks the 1812 Fort Dearborn Massacre . On August 15, 2009 (the anniversary of the battle), the PDNA joined with the community to commemorate and officially name the site the Battle of Fort Dearborn Park ; and unveiled an historic marker outlining the site's significance. The PDNA aims to bring much needed infrastructure and retail to the area. Built in 1836 and untouched by
990-550: Is sometimes imprecise, there is some confusion regarding where the South Loop neighborhood (which incorporates Printer's Row ) begins and ends. Some sources do not define its northern boundary, while defining its southern boundary as Cermak Street (22nd Street) and its western boundary as Canal Street. The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance , a not-for-profit neighborhood organization, has grown to provide support and representation to thousands of residents living in and around
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#17327881155201080-803: Is the city headquarters for state government, with an office for the Governor. Many state agencies have offices here, including the Illinois State Board of Education . A few blocks away is the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse housing federal law courts and other federal government offices. This is the seat of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit . The Kluczynski Federal Building
1170-637: Is the most Democratically leaning district in Illinois according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index with a score of D+38 and represented by Democrat Danny K. Davis . List of United States representatives representing the Loop since 1903 Illinois's 1st congressional district (1903 – 1963): Illinois's 7th congressional district (1963–present): The Loop area derives its name from transportation networks present in it. Passenger lines reached seven Loop-area stations by
1260-805: Is the second largest commercial business district in the United States after New York City's Midtown Manhattan . Its financial district near LaSalle Street is home to United Airlines , Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and CME Group 's Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange . Aon Corporation maintains an office in the Aon Center . Chase Tower houses the headquarters of Exelon . United Airlines has its headquarters in Willis Tower , having moved its headquarters to Chicago from suburban Elk Grove Township in early 2007. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has its headquarters in
1350-400: The 2016 presidential election , the Loop cast 11,141 votes for Hillary Clinton and cast 2,148 votes for Donald Trump (79.43% to 15.31%). In the 2012 presidential election , the Loop cast 8,134 votes for Barack Obama and cast 2,850 votes for Mitt Romney (72.26% to 25.32%). In the U.S. House of Representatives , the area is wholly within Illinois's 7th congressional district , which
1440-633: The AT&;T Corporate Center . Chicago's fourth tallest building, the Aon Center , is located just south of Illinois Center . The complex is at the east end of the Loop, east of Michigan Avenue . Two Prudential Plaza is also located here, just to the west of the Aon Center. The Loop contains a wealth of outdoor sculpture, including works by Pablo Picasso , Joan Miró , Henry Moore , Marc Chagall , Magdalena Abakanowicz , Alexander Calder , and Jean Dubuffet . Chicago's cultural heavyweights, such as
1530-730: The Arie Crown Theater , and it is the annual location for the Chicago Auto Show . The area includes the Prairie Avenue Historic District (with both the John J. Glessner House and the Henry B. Clarke House ) and the historic (former) R. R. Donnelley & Sons printing company building (which now houses network routers and switches for much of the city). The Glessner House, which is perhaps
1620-797: The Art Institute of Chicago , the Goodman Theatre , the Chicago Theatre , the Lyric Opera at the Civic Opera House building, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra , are also in this area, as is the historic Palmer House Hilton hotel, found on East Monroe Street. Chicago's waterfront, which is almost exclusively recreational beach and park areas from north to south, features Grant Park in
1710-473: The Chicago City Council , which are represented by aldermen Sophia King , Byron Sigcho-Lopez , Bill Conway and Brendan Reilly . From the city's incorporation and division into wards in 1837 to 1992, the Loop as currently defined was at least partially contained within the 1st ward. From 1891 to 1992 it was entirely within the 1st ward and was coterminous with it between 1891 and 1901. It
1800-602: The Chicago River to the west and north, Lake Michigan to the east, and Roosevelt Road (12th Street) to the south is called the Loop. It took its name from a somewhat smaller area, which meant the 35 city blocks bounded on the north by Lake Street, on the west by Wells Street, on the south by Van Buren Street, and on the east by Wabash Avenue—the Union Loop formed by the 'L' in the late 1800s. Similarly, " South " and " West Loop " historically referred to areas within
1890-653: The Great Chicago Fire in 1871, it was home to some of the city's finest mansions and most elite social families, and in the 1890s the railroad's Central Station opened at 12th Street. However, by the start of the 20th century, rapid transit evolved and many families moved slightly farther from the Loop business district. The railroads brought warehouses and light manufacturing. Michigan Avenue between 14th Street and 22nd Street became an auto row . The "Levee" vice district of brothels and gambling dens around Cermak Street and State Street prospered until 1912. Burnham Park and several accompanying institutions were built in
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#17327881155201980-669: The Home Insurance Building , considered the world's first skyscraper (demolished in 1931); the Chicago Board of Trade Building , a National Historic Landmark ; and Willis Tower , the world's tallest building for nearly 25 years. Some of the historic buildings in this district were instrumental in the development of towers. This area abounds in shopping opportunities, including the Loop Retail Historic District , although it competes with
2070-664: The Home Insurance Building , generally considered the world's first skyscraper, was constructed, followed by the development of the Chicago school best exemplified by such buildings as the Rookery Building in 1888, the Monadnock Building in 1891, and the Sullivan Center in 1899. Loop architecture has been dominated by skyscrapers and high-rises since early in its history. Notable buildings include
2160-615: The Illinois Senate most of the community area is in District 3, represented by Democrat Mattie Hunter , while a large part in the east is part of District 13, represented by Democrat Robert Peters , and a very small part in the west is part of District 5, represented by Democrat Patricia Van Pelt . The Loop community area has supported the Democratic Party in the past two presidential elections by large margins. In
2250-636: The John G. Shedd Aquarium were constructed on this newly reclaimed land at this time. Later, Merrill C. Meigs Field Airport was built. Northerly Island connects to the rest of the Museum Campus through a narrow isthmus along Solidarity Drive dominated by Neoclassical sculptures of Kościuszko , Havliček and Nicolaus Copernicus . The newly developed Central Station area includes three park areas. Mark Twain Park lies between South Indiana Avenue and Lake Shore Drive at 15th Place. Daniel Webster Park
2340-691: The Michigan Plaza complex. Sidley Austin has an office in the Loop. The Chicago Loop Alliance is located at 55 West Monroe, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is located in an office in the Aon Center, the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago has an office in 35 East Wacker , the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in the United States is located in an office at 303 East Wacker Drive, and
2430-763: The Millennium Station , which serves as the Chicago terminal of the Metra Electric District line that goes to University Park , and LaSalle Street Station , which serves as the Chicago terminal of the Rock Island District line bound for Joliet , are in the Loop. In addition to the terminals, the Van Buren Street station and Museum Campus/11th Street station on the Electric District line are also in
2520-724: The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance , a non-profit organization was formed to provide representation for thousands of South Loop residents, including the Prairie District, Central Station and Museum Park, Motor Row, the South Michigan Ave Corridor, as well as other areas of the Near South Side. Lake Shore Drive was reconstructed in 1996 so that it no longer cut through the Museum Campus . Previously,
2610-537: The Shedd Aquarium , and the Adler Planetarium ; and Northerly Island . The area is currently undergoing a major residential and mixed-use redevelopment. The Near South Side is one of the most dynamic of Chicago's communities. It has undergone a metamorphosis from a Native American homeland to a blue collar settlement, to an elite socialite residential district, to a center for vice, to a slum, to
2700-642: The Stevenson Expressway just south of 25th Street, and Clark Street again between the Stevenson and 26th Street; and East— Lake Michigan . Along Lake Shore Drive , the Near South Side includes some of Chicago's best-known structures: Soldier Field , home of the NFL 's Chicago Bears ; McCormick Place , Chicago's primary convention center; the Museum Campus , which contains the Field Museum ,
2790-477: The 1830s, the area was selected as the site of their respective seats. Originally mixed-use, the neighborhood became increasingly commercial in the 1870s. This process accelerated in the aftermath of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire , which destroyed most of the neighborhood's buildings. Some of the world's earliest skyscrapers were constructed in the Loop, giving rise to the Chicago School of architecture . By
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2880-473: The 1890s, with transfers from one to the other being a major business for taxi drivers prior to the advent of Amtrak in the 1970s and the majority of trains being concentrated at Chicago Union Station across the river in the Near West Side . The construction of a streetcar loop in 1882 and the elevated railway loop in the 1890s gave the area its name and cemented its dominance in the city. In Metra
2970-486: The 1910s and 1920s. World War I and post World War I Great Migration settlers moved in and created the low-rent "Black Belt". Urban renewal and public housing projects later replaced some of the slums. In the 1940s, some of the city's slums were on the Near South Side. The Century of Progress International Exposition was the name of the World's Fair held on the Near South Side lakefront from 1933 to 1934 to celebrate
3060-446: The 1920s old buildings were purchased in the area and converted to parking structures. More high-rise garages and parking lots were constructed in the 1930s, which also saw the advent of double-deck parking. The first parking meters were installed in 1947 and private garages were regulated in 1957; they were banned outright in the Loop in the 1970s in response to federal air-quality standards. The first underground garages were built by
3150-401: The 1960s, when middle-class housing developments were built in the community area. In 1977, George Halas surrendered 51 acres (210,000 m ) of railyards for redevelopment as Dearborn Park apartments, townhouses and accompanying tree-lined walkways. In 1988, the second phase of Dearborn Park construction began between State St. and Clark St., south of Roosevelt Rd. A housing boom emerged in
3240-507: The 1990s and continues to the present day with the construction of many new condominium and apartment towers. Construction of the Central Station development commenced in 1990. This was a mixed-use development on 72 acres (290,000 m ) of former rail yards and air rights east of Indiana Avenue between Roosevelt Road and 18th Street. Simultaneously, loft conversion spread to the warehouses and light manufacturing structures along
3330-412: The Chicago River throughout the area. Illinois Center neighborhood has three-level streets. The eastern terminus of U.S. Route 66 (US 66), an iconic highway in the United States first charted in 1926, was located at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue . When Illinois and Missouri agreed that the local signage for US 66 should be replaced with that of Interstate 55 (I-55) as
3420-488: The Chicago River, including architectural tours, by commercial boat operators, are great favorites with both locals and tourists alike. The Loop is the seat of Chicago's city government. It is also the government seat of Cook County and houses an office for the governor of Illinois . The city and county governments are situated in the same century-old building . Across the street, the Richard J. Daley Center accommodates
3510-734: The Czech Republic , Ecuador , El Salvador , France , Guatemala , Haiti , Hungary , Indonesia , Israel , the Republic of Macedonia , the Netherlands , Pakistan , Peru , the Philippines , South Africa , Turkey , and Venezuela . In addition, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Republic of China is in the Loop. The Loop is currently a part of the 4th, 25th, 34th and 42nd wards of
3600-600: The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. The area has a triple-level street system and is bisected by Columbus Drive. Most of this district has been developed on land that was originally water and once used by the Illinois Central Railroad rail yards. The early buildings in this district such as the Aon Center and One Prudential Plaza used airspace rights in order to build above the railyards. The New Eastside Association of Residents (NEAR) has been
3690-463: The Fort Dearborn reservation that became part of the city in 1839 and land reclaimed from Lake Michigan. The area was bustling by the end of the 1830s. Lake Street started to be a center for retail at that time, until it was eclipsed by State Street in the 1850s. By 1948 an estimated one million people came to and went from the Loop each day. Afterwards, suburbanization caused a decrease in
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3780-526: The Loop area and offer 24/7 service; the Red and Blue Lines are the only rapid transit lines in the United States west of the Appalachian Mountains to offer such service. Bus Rapid Transit has been implemented in the Loop. Chicago's address system has been standardized as beginning at the intersection of State and Madison Streets since September 1, 1909. Prior to that time, Chicago's street system
3870-606: The Loop proper, but in the 21st century began to refer to the entire Near South and much of the Near West Sides of the city, respectively. In 1803, the United States Army built Fort Dearborn in what is now the Loop; although earlier settlement was present, this was first settlement in the area sponsored by the United States' federal government . When Chicago and Cook County were incorporated in
3960-419: The Loop. The professional sector is the largest source of employment of both Loop residents and Loop employees, at respectively 21.4 and 23.3 percent. Finance was the second most common employment for both groups, at respectively 13.5 and 17.7 percent. Health Care was the third largest sector for residents at 10.2 percent while Education was the third largest sector for Loop employees at 13 percent. Education
4050-543: The Loop. 26.8 percent worked outside of Chicago. Respectively 11.5, 8.0, and 2.8 percent worked in the Near North Side , the Near West Side , and Hyde Park . Conversely, 45.5 percent of the people employed in the Loop lived outside of Chicago. Lake View housed 4 percent of Loop employees, the highest percentage of any of Chicago's community areas. The Near North Side, West Town , and Lincoln Park respectively housed 3.8, 2.6, and 2.5 percent of those working in
4140-593: The Loop. All stations in the Loop are in Zone A for fare collection purposes. The interurban South Shore Line , which goes to South Bend, Indiana , has its Chicago terminal at Millennium Station. All lines of the Chicago "L" except the Yellow Line serve the Loop area for at least some hours. The State Street Subway and Dearborn Street Subway , respectively parts of the Red Line and Blue Line , are present in
4230-410: The Loop. The neighborhood also hosts Chicago's City Hall , the seat of Cook County , offices of other levels of government, and several foreign consulates. The intersection of State Street and Madison Street in the Loop is the origin point for the address system on Chicago's street grid . The Loop's definition and perceived boundaries have developed over time. Since the 1920s, the area bounded by
4320-486: The Loop. The median sale price for residential real estate was $ 710,000 in 2005 according to Forbes. In addition to the government, financial, theatre and shopping districts, there are neighborhoods that are also part of the Loop community area. For much of its history this Section was used for Illinois Central rail yards, including the IC's Great Central Station , with commercial buildings along Michigan Avenue. The New Eastside
4410-434: The Near South Side include Drake School, National Teacher Academy, and South Loop School. Phillips Academy High School is the zoned high school of the Near South Side. Eds. Grossman, James R., Keating, Ann Durkin, and Reiff, Janice L., 2004 The Encyclopedia of Chicago . The University of Chicago Press, ISBN 0-226-31015-9 Chicago Loop The Loop is Chicago 's central business district and one of
4500-661: The South Loop and Near South Side of Chicago, including the Prairie Avenue District, Central Station and Museum Park, Motor Row and the South Michigan Avenue corridor, but the organization does not exclude those that are part of the broader South Loop and Near South Side community. The Greater South Loop Association represents residents living between Congress to the North, the Chicago River to
4590-481: The South Loop). Some primary sources cite Printer's Row and the South Loop as part of the Near South Side community area . This transit-related area is the northern portion of the community area. Saying it is south of the former places it in the Near South Side, while saying it is part of the latter places it in the Loop. The Official City of Chicago Loop Map supports the latter. Residents are zoned to schools in Chicago Public Schools . K-8 schools serving sections of
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#17327881155204680-430: The South Loop, residents who live within the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance boundaries have become increasingly concerned about the quality of new development and the quality of work performed on properties being converted to residential use. Condo boards and residents have begun to band together to make their voices heard. A few have achieved high-profile status. Additionally, the PDNA and area residents work with
4770-476: The US Mexico Chamber of Commerce Mid-America Chapter is located in an office in One Prudential Plaza . McDonald's was headquartered in the Loop until 1971, when it moved to suburban Oak Brook . When Bank One Corporation existed, its headquarters were in the Bank One Plaza, which is now Chase Tower. When Amoco existed, its headquarters were in the Amoco Building, which is now the Aon Center. In 2019, about 40 percent of Loop residents were also employed in
4860-427: The Vietnam Veterans Art Museum building at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, a cultural pillar of the neighborhood, from being sold privately and converted into a night club. Instead, the building was purchased by the city of Chicago and conveyed to the Chicago Park District to become a new community center. The PDNA presented recommendations to the Commission on Chicago Parks and the alderman to name an important new park which
4950-457: The area and who agree to and support the purpose of the alliance. On September 6, 2008, the organization hosted the 'Festival on Prairie Avenue,' with Mayor Richard M. Daley in attendance. The festival took visitors back to the time of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in recognition of the street's restoration to its 1890s appearance; and was attended by over 1,200 residents. The PDNA and its residents banded together to successfully save
5040-425: The area's importance. Starting in the 1960s, however, the presence of an upscale shopping district caused the area's fortunes to increase. The Loop's population has boomed in recent years, having a 158 percent population increase between 2000 and 2020. Between 2010 and 2014, the number of jobs in The Loop increased by nearly 63,000 jobs, or an increase of over 13%. The Loop, along with the rest of downtown Chicago,
5130-460: The area. 33.3 percent of Loop residents walk or bike to work compared to 7.3 percent citywide. An additional 19.4 percent of Loop residents use transit for a daily commute, while 23.4 percent of residents citywide do. Just 22.2 percent of Loop residents drive to work alone or in a carpool, compared to 54.9 percent of all Chicago residents and 72.5 percent in the greater Chicago region. By household, 47.2 percent of Loop residents do not have access to
5220-401: The best known historic structure in this district, is now a museum. William Wallace Kimball 's home was the long time headquarters of the United States Soccer Federation . Formerly, several important residences were located in this region. Additionally, the Fort Dearborn Massacre sculpture was on the property of the George Pullman residence as a tribute to the massacre, which occurred in
5310-625: The city government to actively review proposed development projects in an effort to encourage smart growth. This is to protect the architectural character of the historic Prairie Avenue district. Near South Side, Chicago The Near South Side is a community area of Chicago , Illinois , United States, just south of the downtown central business district, the Loop . The Near South Side's boundaries are as follows: North—Roosevelt Road (1200 S); South—26th Street; West— Chicago River between Roosevelt and 18th Street, Clark Street between 18th Street and Cermak Road, Federal between Cermak Road and
5400-400: The city in the early 1950s. All residences and places of employment within the Loop are in highly walkable areas; the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning defines such areas based on population density, the length of city blocks, tree canopy cover, fatalities or grievous injuries incurred by pedestrians and bicyclists in the area, the density of intersections, and amenities located near
5490-429: The city's 77 municipally recognized community areas . Located at the center of downtown Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan , it is the second-largest business district in North America after Midtown Manhattan . The headquarters and regional offices of several global and national businesses, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, and theaters–as well as many of Chicago's most famous attractions–are located in
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#17327881155205580-429: The city's centennial. The theme of the fair was technological innovation over the century since Chicago's founding. More than 40 million people visited the fair, which symbolized for many hope for Chicago and the nation, then in the midst of the Great Depression . West of Lake Shore Drive , much of the Near South Side, in the middle of the twentieth century, consisted largely of railroad tracks and interchanges until
5670-415: The community area and are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Raymond M. Hilliard Center Historic District , Motor Row District , and Prairie Avenue District are districts largely within the community area that are also listed on the NRHP. Beginning in the mid-1990s, factories started being replaced with or converted to loft condominiums. The redevelopment continued through
5760-493: The downtown area. Grant Park is the home of Buckingham Fountain , the Petrillo Music Shell , the Grant Park Symphony (where free concerts can be enjoyed throughout the summer), and Chicago's annual two-week food festival, the Taste of Chicago , where more than 3 million people try foods from over 70 vendors. The area also hosts the annual music festival Lollapalooza which features popular alternative rock, heavy metal, EDM , hip hop, and punk rock, artists. Millennium Park , which
5850-534: The early 2000s decade. South Loop residential development has expanded to the Dearborn Park neighborhood (between State and Clark Streets South of Roosevelt Road). The new Central Station neighborhood is the site of major mixed use development that includes One Museum Park , One Museum Park West , numerous residential condominiums and luxury townhomes. This development is built on 72 acres (290,000 m ) of former rail yards and air space rights east of Indiana Avenue between Roosevelt Road and 18th Street that include
5940-497: The few named east–west cross streets. Numbering continues southward in Chicago into the upper hundreds at a pace of 8 blocks per mile. The Near South Side community area has supported the Democratic Party in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections. In the 2020 presidential election the 4th Ward, which includes the Printer's Row subsection of the community area, cast 26,003 votes for Joe Biden and 1,799 votes for Donald Trump (92.24% to 6.38%). The 3rd Ward, which comprises
6030-411: The first hotel in Chicago, was built in 1831 near Wolf Point at what is now the northwestern corner of the Loop. When Cook County was incorporated in 1831, the first meeting of its government was held at Fort Dearborn with two representatives from Chicago and one from Naperville . The entirety of what is now the Loop was part of the Town of Chicago when it was initially incorporated in 1833, except for
6120-428: The former location of the Central Station terminal . Also, a wave of loft conversions in Printer's Row that has spread to major North-South Avenues such as Michigan, Wabash, and Indiana is making them residential streets again in this neighborhood after a century of other uses. The planned development has expanded from 69 to 80 acres (320,000 m ) and includes properties between Michigan and Indiana Avenues. In 2006,
6210-523: The great Chicago fire of 1871, the Clarke House is Chicago’s oldest house and is a classic example of the Greek revival style. Moved twice, and opened as a house museum in 1982, it features 19th century furnishings depicting life on the urban frontier. The John J. Glessner House was designed in 1885 by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in late 1887. Both properties were designated Chicago landmarks on October 14, 1970. The Clarke and Glessner houses are key PDNA partners. With such rapid growth in
6300-477: The highway was predominately north–south in those states, most signs of the former highway in Chicago were removed without incident but the final sign on the corner of Jackson and Michigan was removed with great fanfare on January 13, 1977, and replaced with a sign reading "END OF ROUTE 66". The first anti-parking ordinance of streets in the Loop was passed on May 1, 1918, in order to help streetcars, and had been advocated by Chicago Surface Lines . This law banned
6390-557: The late 19th century, cable car turnarounds and the Union Loop encircled the area, giving the neighborhood its name. Near the lake, Grant Park "Chicago's front yard" is Chicago's oldest park but was significantly expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and houses a number of features and museums. Starting in the 1920s, road improvements for highways were constructed to and into the Loop, perhaps most famously U.S. Route 66 , which opened in 1926. While dominated by offices and public buildings, its residential population boomed during
6480-409: The latter 20th century and first decades of the 21st, partly due to the development of former rail yards (at one time, the area had six major interurban railroad terminals and land was also needed for extensive rail cargo storage and transfer), industrial lands, as well as highrise residences. Since 1950, the Loop's population has increased the most out of all of Chicago's community areas. The origin of
6570-479: The lumber district. Proximity to the railroads attracted light manufacturing and shops. In 1853, the community was absorbed by the extension of the city limits to 31st Street; in the same period, the Illinois Central Railroad was built into Chicago. In 1859, a South State Street horse-drawn streetcar line, linking the area to downtown, attracted wealthy families to the area. By the time of
6660-472: The major north-south Avenues of Michigan, Indiana, and Wabash, which returned them to residential properties 100 years after the flight of the elite Chicago socialites. Among the prominent buildings are One Museum Park and One Museum Park West along a redeveloped Prairie Avenue . Landfill use created Burnham Park and Northerly Island in the 1920s and 1930s along Lake Michigan . The Field Museum of Natural History , Soldier Field , Adler Planetarium and
6750-482: The majority of the remainder of the Near South Side, cast 25,182 votes for Joe Biden and 2,559 votes for Donald Trump (89.53% to 9.10%). In the 2016 presidential election , the Near South Side cast 9,761 votes for Hillary Clinton and cast 1,425 votes for Donald Trump (83.43% to 12.18%). In the 2012 presidential election , the Near South Side cast 9,252 votes for Barack Obama and cast 2,253 votes for Mitt Romney (79.33% to 19.32%). Because neighborhood line drawing
6840-500: The more upscale Magnificent Mile area to the north. It includes Chicago's former Marshall Field's department store location in the Marshall Field and Company Building ; the original Sullivan Center Carson Pirie Scott store location (closed February 21, 2007). Chicago's Downtown Theatre District is also found within this area, along with numerous restaurants and hotels. Chicago has a famous skyline which features many of
6930-435: The name "the Loop" is disputed. Some sources claim it first referred to two cable car lines that used a circuit–constructed in 1882 and bounded by Van Buren Street, Wabash Avenue, Wells Street , and Lake Street –to enter and depart the downtown area. Other research, however, has concluded that "the Loop" was not used as a proper noun until after the 1895–97 construction of the Union Loop used by 'L' trains, which shared
7020-431: The neighborhood immediately south of "the Loop", yet "the Loop" has multiple meanings. The Loop is a community area bounded by the Chicago River , Lake Michigan and Roosevelt Road. However, the term is also used to refer to the specific area bounded by the circular portion of the Chicago "L" , which goes as far south as Van Buren Street or Congress Avenue (and this is described as the northern border of Printer's Row and
7110-704: The neighborhood. Many of the Prairie Avenue families worship at the historic Second Presbyterian Church on South Michigan Avenue in the heart of the district. Adler Planetarium , R.R. Donnelley and Sons Co. Calumet Plant , Henry B. Clarke House , Coca-Cola Company Building (on Wabash), Field Museum of Natural History , John J. Glessner House , William W. Kimball House , Maxwell-Briscoe Automobile Company Showroom , Quinn Chapel AME Church , Harriet F. Rees House , Reid House , St. Luke's Hospital Complex , Second Presbyterian Church , Shedd Aquarium , Soldier Field , and Wheeler-Kohn House are all located in
7200-624: The northbound lanes ran east of Soldier Field. After reconstruction, both northbound and southbound lanes ran west of Soldier Field. Its northern boundary ( Roosevelt Road ) marks the end of consecutively named east–west streets. East–west streets north of Roosevelt Road have street names, except between State Street and Michigan Avenue . There are two block-long 8th and 11th Streets and a four-block 9th Street. Most streets south of Roosevelt simply use street numbers. Streets in this neighborhood from 13th to 26th are mostly numbered. Cullerton Street (20th Street) and Cermak Road (22nd Street) are two of
7290-425: The parking of any vehicle between 7 and 10 a.m. and 4 and 7 p.m. on a street used by streetcars; approximately 1,000 violators of this law were arrested in the first month of the ordinance's enforcement. The La Salle Hotel 's parking garage was the first high-rise parking garage in the Loop, constructed in 1917 at the corner of Washington and LaSalle Streets and remaining in service until its demolition in 2005. In
7380-429: The same route. In what is now the Loop, on the south bank of the Chicago River near today's Michigan Avenue Bridge , the United States Army erected Fort Dearborn in 1803, the first settlement in the area sponsored by the United States. When Chicago was initially platted in 1830 by the surveyor James Thompson , it included what is now the Loop north of Madison Street and west of State Street. The Sauganash Hotel ,
7470-704: The tallest buildings in the world as well as the Chicago Landmark Historic Michigan Boulevard District . Chicago's skyline is spaced out throughout the downtown area. The Willis Tower , formerly known as the Sears Tower, the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere (and still second-tallest by roof height), stands in the western Loop in the heart of the city's financial district, along with other buildings, such as 311 South Wacker Drive and
7560-472: The west and the Stevenson Expressway (approximately 25th Street) to the south. South Loop Neighbors serves residents only as far south as "approximately" 15th Street and as far west as the river. Fodor's has its own definition of the South Loop as the area bounded by Cermak, Michigan Avenue , the Chicago River , and Congress Parkway- Eisenhower Expressway . The South Loop is described as
7650-483: The western half is part of the 2nd district, represented by Democrat Dennis Deer . In the Illinois House of Representatives the community area is roughly evenly split lengthwise between, from east to west, Districts 26, 5, and 6, represented respectively by Democrats Kambium Buckner , Lamont Robinson , and Sonya Harper , with a minuscule portion in District 9 represented by Democrat Lakesia Collins . In
7740-421: Was a hodgepodge of various systems which had resulted from the different municipalities that Chicago annexed in the late 19th century. The implementation of the new street system was delayed by two years in the Loop to allow businesses more time to acclimate to their new addresses. Several streets in the Loop have multiple levels , some as many as three. The most prominent of these is Wacker Drive , which faces
7830-431: Was begun on McCormick Place , a huge exposition and convention complex at 23rd Street and Lake Shore Drive named for newspaper magnate Robert R. McCormick . The original building burned in 1967, and was rebuilt and reopened in 1971 at the behest of mayor Richard J. Daley . Large expansions were added in 1986, 1997 and 2007. The current redevelopment includes greatly expanded hotel accommodation. McCormick Place also houses
7920-598: Was formed to provide representation for thousands of South Loop residents, including the Prairie Avenue District, Central Station, Museum Park, Motor Row, and the South Michigan Avenue Corridor, as well as other areas of the Near South Side . The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) is a non-profit resident organization in Chicago. The PDNA provides support and benefits to residents, condominium and town home associations, businesses, cultural institutions, and organizations who reside within
8010-401: Was the fourth largest employer of residents at 9.4 percent while Public Administration was the fourth largest for Loop employees at 13 percent. Administration was the fifth largest sector for both groups, at respectively 6.9 and 7.3 percent. The area has long been a hub for architecture. The vast majority of the area was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 but rebuilt quickly. In 1885
8100-543: Was while part of the 1st ward that it was represented by the Gray Wolves. The area has not had a Republican alderman since Francis P. Gleason served alongside Coughlin from 1895 to 1897. (Prior to 1923, each ward elected two aldermen in staggered two-year terms). In the Cook County Board of Commissioners the eastern half of the area is part of the 3rd district, represented by Democrat Jerry Butler , while
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