LOOP

 

 

The Loop is Chicago’s commercial and business center. Known as a sophisticated urban district, it boasts a variety of delicious restaurants, chic shopping, leafy parks, waterfront recreation spots, and world-class cultural attractions. Several of the world’s first skyscrapers were constructed in the Loop during the last two decades of the 19th century. The Loop’s dramatic skyline is dominated by historic and iconic high-rises. Landmark architecture ranges from the 1888 Rookery Building through to the 1973 Willis Tower. Formerly the Sears Tower, Willis Tower was the world’s tallest building until near the end of the 20th century.

 

When it comes to the United States’ largest commercial districts, the Loop is second only to Midtown Manhattan. Home to many major companies and professionals, the Loop’s real estate consists mostly of apartments and condominiums in the district’s historic and contemporary high-rises. The most sought-after properties provide stunning elevated views over the city and Lake Michigan.

 

 

 

The Loop is the heart of downtown Chicago and home to many of the city’s top shops, restaurants, and attractions—living here means having the best of the Windy City right on your doorstep. It also has a large number of employment opportunities with one of the biggest business districts in the country.

 

 

The Loop’s electric streets are buzzing day and night with great places to dine, drink, and shop. The Marshall Field’s building was home to one of the United States’ first department stores when it opened in 1905. Macy’s took over the space in 2005 and continues many of its beloved traditions, including the installation of a three-story Christmas tree and elaborate holiday window displays during the festive season.

 

North State Street is home to one of Chicago’s newest retail centers. Completed in 2016, Block 37 has a five-story atrium, an AMC Dine-In Movie Theater, and more than 40 stores and restaurants, including a Disney Store, AKIRA, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Sephora, and Zara. The State Street shopping district also has brand-name fashion stores such as Champion, Express, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, and Saks Off Fifth.

 

At the dramatic 1890s Gothic Revival-style Chicago Athletic Association building you’ll find the luxurious Chicago Athletic Hotel. The first-class amenities here include stunning city views from the rooftop open-air terrace at Cindy’s bar and restaurant, farm-to-table fine dining and throwback cocktails in the Cherry Circle Room, and classic drinks made with the rarest vintage spirits and elixirs at the former Prohibition-era speakeasy of the Milk Room.

 

Dining highlights within the Loop include Italian Village, a romantic eatery that has delighted patrons with its elegant Tuscan cuisine and extensive wine list since 1927. The Berghoff has been a must-visit staple of the Loop’s restaurant scene even longer. This authentic German eatery opened its doors in 1898 and became enormously popular during the prohibition era, when nickel sandwiches were served with a free beer. The Berghoff remains an inviting spot for German beer steins and hearty Bavarian dishes.

 

 

The Loop has a multitude of things to see and do at any time of year. The connected greenspaces of Grant Park and Millennium Park have an abundance of amenities and attractions on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Spanning close to 313 acres, Grant Park is home to many sports fields, scenic lawns, the picturesque 1927 Buckingham Memorial Fountain, and Chicago’s Museum Campus.

 

The Art Institute of Chicago is a highlight of the Museum Campus, featuring a collection of almost 300,000 artworks across nearly one million square feet of exhibition space. Famous artworks here include Pablo Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.”

 

For four days in August, Lollapalooza takes over Grant Park with performances from some of the biggest names in rock, punk, metal, hip-hop, and electronic music. The five-day Taste of Chicago festival in July is the largest food festival in the world. Along with delicious eats from over 70 vendors, Taste of Chicago features performances from many well-known bands and musicians.

 

Millennium Park in Grant Park’s northwest corner opened in 2004 and quickly became the Midwest’s most visited tourist attraction. Highlights of Millennium Park include Sir Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture (sometimes affectionately referred to as “The Bean”), the unique video wall and reflecting pool water feature of Catalan artist Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain, and the urban oasis of the 2.5-acre Lurie Garden.

 

The Frank Gehry-designed Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park is a cutting-edge outdoor entertainment space with free concerts during the summer. The grand Richardsonian Romanesque-style Auditorium Theater opened in 1889 and hosts frequent performances, including those by the world-class Joffrey Ballet. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 1906 Orchestra Hall is another premier performance venue with old-fashioned allure. The Loop also has several elegant early 20th century theaters that stage Broadway plays. These include the 1906 CIBC Theatre, 1921 Chicago Theatre, and 1926 Nederlander Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre.

 

The beautiful 1896 neoclassical Chicago Cultural Center hosts many free events and exhibitions. Head to the Sky Deck at Willis Tower, Chicago’s most famous skyscraper, for breathtaking views over the Windy City and Lake Michigan.

 

 

The Loop is zoned to the City of Chicago School District. There are also many excellent opportunities for higher education. Highlights include: