Dick's Sporting Good - at The Maxwell on Canal Street - Closing on December 4th

Well this ain't a great way to start the new year (via Chicago Star Media and Chicago Block Club):

Dick’s Sporting Goods will close its South Loop location on Jan. 4, adding to a string of recent retail departures in the area. The closure was announced via a sign near the store’s entrance, at 1100 S. Canal St., according to the Block Club Chicago. 

Dick's sign outside of The Maxwell on Canal street
(via Block Club Chicago)

The retailer is part of The Maxwell, a shopping center that also lost T.J. Maxx nearly a year ago. Remaining tenants at The Maxwell include Nordstrom Rack and Burlington. 

The South Loop has seen several high-profile exits recently. Rising rents forced The Container Store to announce its departure from Roosevelt Collection Shops, while Show Place Icon theater and local boutique Kido Chicago also have closed.

While some might poo poo on big national retailers, the reality is that it's just not a good sign for the neighborhood if they can't be supported.  The Dick's store was massive and nice.

Life at Nema (1210 S. Indiana)

We don't live inside the Nema rental building (1210 S. Indiana), but have gawked at it from the outside and recently spent some time in the shinny new Dollop Coffee shop.  We recently stumbled upon a video on Tik Tok and recognized some of the views and deducted that it was a young 20 something, entrepreneur shooting as if he lived on top of the world in the building.  Anyway - if you ever wondered what it was like to live in Nema, maybe his videos can give you an idea:

 (Hat tip: @theibrahimansari)

Two South Loop Locations Approved for Marijuana Dispensaries

(It's been awhile - sorry about that folks!)

We're coming to you with some interesting developments on the Sloop marijuana front.  We recently read about two new spots in the neighborhood where dispensaries are opening (via Tribune):

The board also approved a permit to Rickey Hendon, a former alderman and state representative, and his children to open a Green Rose dispensary in the South Loop, at 1233 S. Wabash Ave., and a dispensary by High Hopes Chicago at 622-24 W. Roosevelt Road.

The spot at 1233 s. Wabash is a pretty prominent location and is where the long vacated bar - Wabash Tap - once sat (closed in 2019).  The bar at one point said they were going to "reinvent".  That clearly didn't happen, but we guess a Marijuana Dispensary is a reinvention (although likely different owner?):

While numerous South Loop locations have been rumored and discussed for a dispensary, not much has materialized.  

We will see what else materializes, but if you're into the pot you may not have to leave the neighborhood soon.

A Weekend of Partying Until 2am and a Homicide Down the Street

We live by Roosevelt and State, and this weekend was a brutal one for our young family.  

While we're all for celebrations, the rowdy scenes for Mexican Independence Day went well past 2am on Saturday morning with loud music, squealing tires and fireworks booming overhead.  While this is a nuisance and maybe makes it hard for us to sleep for one night - we can put up with it.  Sure, it's probably illegal on many fronts but it's the cost for living in a vibrant (?), diverse city.

That said, as we woke up and rode bikes to Grant Park on Saturday morning to a park district lesson for our young son, it's unfortunate to see trash littered all over ever street and sidewalk.  It's also strange  explaining why there was a burnt out car on Roosevelt sitting at a major intersection like it wasn't unusual.  Nothing to see hear - just a lovely Saturday morning in the Sloop!

Our life went on - but it was a strange morning bike ride.

Then we woke up Sunday morning to see the headlines that a man was murdered in front of South Loop Elementary just outside the playground.  This one hits really close to home for us and seems to encapsulate why many people simple don't want to live in Chicago (via CBW Chicago):

Chicago police said a man was fatally shot while standing with a large group of people outside South Loop Elementary School overnight. The people he was with all ran away after the shooting, and police still don’t know who he is. 

It happened around 12:46 a.m. Sunday in the 1200 block of South Plymouth. Chicago police said the man, who appeared to be in his mid-20s or early 30s, suffered gunshot wounds to his face and chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.

We love riding our bikes to the lake, having dinner on the sidewalks of our neighborhood, having our son walk to school and doing so many other things the Sloop (and city) has to offer.  If you know me, i'm one of the biggest boosters of "city living" - after all i've been writing this blog since 2008!

But on this Monday, I write to say this is tough.  I don't have the answers on how to make things better, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to call Chicago home.

CPS CEO Pulls Funding for Proposed South Loop High School ; Says More Time & Community Engagement Needed

In case you missed it last week, more delays and uncertainty around next steps with a "South Loop High School" (via Chicago Tribune):

Hours before the Chicago Board of Education was poised to vote Wednesday on the $9.4 billion budget for the coming school year, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez pulled a $120 million line item for a proposed high school that would serve Chinatown, Bridgeport and South Loop.

“Conversations for the need of a neighborhood high school in the Near South have been happening for a decade now, with many advocates and community leaders urging CPS to take this step. Our team has done a great job in showing the need, with our Black students attending 95 different high schools and our Asian students traveling some of the longest distances across to other neighborhood schools,” Martinez said at Wednesday’s monthly board meeting.

Though planning is still in the early stages, critics railed against the proposal for utilizing money promised to a different neighborhood and spending millions on a new school instead of improving the high schools in the area. CPS also has come under fire for exploring building the school in the footprint of the former Ickes Homes public housing complex without first seeking feedback from residents who live near there.

Unfortunately the bureaucratic process and various groups CPS is trying to appease will continue to cause challenges.  Read the article and it's not hard to understand why this is difficult.  Regardless - it's frustrating for parents who across the board and likely is a reason why people flee the city.

This has been going on for decades - apparently 25 years by estimates of Chinatown leaders - and it seems like we're back to the drawing board.  Yikes!  

$400K Stolen Violin Returned to South Loop Family

Well it sounds like the South Loop stolen violin has a relatively happy ending (via Chicago Tribune):  

After a monthlong disappearance, police have returned a stolen violin made in 1760 to a South Loop family of musicians whose home was burglarized and robbed of the 262-year-old violin, as well as two other valuable instruments in May.

 
MingHuan Xu, a professional violinist and director of the string program at Roosevelt University, was preparing to perform at the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival in Washington on Tuesday when the Chicago Police Department called and asked her to come into the station to identify three instruments.

Xu immediately dropped out of her performance that night, booked a red-eye, and arrived in Chicago at 4 a.m. Wednesday. She identified the three instruments “right away” as the three that were taken from her home a month earlier. The instruments were all undamaged and in good condition.

With no suspects in custody and the investigation still “open,”it remains unclear who was behind the burglary or how police acquired the instruments, though surveillance cameras from a neighbor’s garage did capture images of the suspect entering Xu’s home around 3:45 a.m. the morning of May 11.

It still seems like a strange sequence of events - especially how the Police just "acquired" the instruments - but hopefully we will learn more in the future.

Anyway - glad that this was returned.

Lake Michigan Fluctuating Water Levels Wreaking Havoc on Beaches

 One of Chicago's (and the Sloop's) most precious resources - Lake Michigan - continues to be in a precarious give and take as it relates to water levels and erosion.

The Tribune has a good read on the current dynamics and how water levels are causing erosion.  They also talk about our local Sloop beach:

In the heart of the city, just steps from the Doane Observatory at Adler Planetarium, hundreds gathered at 12th Street Beach as they enjoyed the three-day weekend and the kickoff of beach season. But 12th Street has also suffered from erosion and, according to the Park District, is in need of repairs to its lake wall — repairs that are set to begin in early June and be completed by October. The beach will remain open during the renovation. 

“Anywhere that we can keep the water area and the beach open, we absolutely will because we know how precious beach season is in Chicago,” Gleason said.

We haven't been recently, but last year it definitely looked like only 1/3 of the beach was still there.  Sounds like it's only gotten worse.  

Here is an old picture of how the beach looked.  Today it's not nearly as big (we hope to get there soon to check it out):

 

Gong Cha Coming to University Center on State Street (500 block of S. State)

Looks like a new tea place called Gong Cha is opening at University Center where Spanglish use to be:

We've never heard of this place, but apparently this is a huge franchise (check their website for more info):

Founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Gong Cha, which translates to “tribute tea for the emperor” opened its doors to the bubble tea market. Gong cha’s success in Taiwan launched our stores all over the globe with customers loving our premium quality tea, products & services: 

• Fresh Tea brewed throughout the day 
• Pearls (bubbles) freshly prepared to perfection continuously through the day 
• Tea sourced from the finest tea estates in Taiwan 
• Strict quality controls for all ingredients 

Gong cha is known across the world for its signature Milk Foam. Its creamy, sweet and savory flavor balance and whipped texture make it the perfect complement to our freshly brewed teas. Our delicious milk foam is hand-crafted for each customer and made from the freshest milk and highest quality, signature ingredients.

Interesting spot for their first location in the midwest - but glad to have them in the Sloop.

Violin Worth Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars Stollen from Townhouse on Plymouth Ct

In case you missed this one, very scary story (via WGN):

Violin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars - wow!  It all seems crazy that they knew (or was lucky enough) to steal something so valuable.  

Regardless, a scary story.  Be safe.

CPS CEO Decides Not to Remove Jones College Prep Principal

From Block Club:

Jones College Prep’s controversial principal will remain at the high school after the head of Chicago Public Schools opted not to remove him — despite the local school council’s vote to oust him.

CPS CEO Pedro Martinez issued a statement saying he would not go forward with dismissal proceedings against Joseph Powers, citing “insufficient evidence.”

Several members of Jones’ local school council had been working for months to oust Powers, accusing the principal of ignoring problematic teachers and doing little to disrupt a culture of racial and gender-based discrimination at the school. CPS launched an Title IX investigation into Jones earlier this year after allegations of discriminatory practices involving the school’s athletic teams.

Tensions reached a fever pitch when Powers reversed a previous decision to allow a budding cross country star to train with the boys’ team due to inadequate facilities on the girls’ teams.

The school’s LSC voted 8-2 last month to ask Martinez to approve written charges against Powers and start the process to fire him after 14 years at Jones. The post-midnight vote came after a tense and combative seven-hour virtual meeting.

There has been a lot of discussion in the neighborhood about the topic and imagine local parents aren't happy with this latest development.  We will see what happens next.

Student Athlete Controversy at Jone College Prep Sparks Title IX Investigation

Controversy erupts at Jone College Prep over sports, fundraising and power at the school (via Blockclub):

Chicago Public Schools is investigating Jones College Prep for potential violations of federal sex discrimination laws connected to its sports teams, part of a broader conflict at the prestigious school where students have complained of mistreatment and leaders are pushing to fire the longtime principal.

CPS officials confirmed this week the district’s Office of Student Protections and Title IX is investigating the athletic department at Jones, 700 S. State St. The department is probing alleged violations of Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs. A spokesman did not offer specifics, citing an ongoing process.

District leaders would not say when they launched a Title IX investigation, but they said the inquiry was ongoing before local school council members contacted the district in February.

Members of Jones’ local school council reported Principal Joseph Powers to the district in February, alleging, among other things, that he allowed conditions to persist where unequal resources were dedicated to boys and girls sports. Council members also contacted CPS officials in December, highlighting what they said was poor oversight for fundraising that made it difficult to ensure money was being distributed fairly for clubs and athletic teams.

The story is pretty in-depth and surely is important for all those involved, but seems to have morphed into something bigger than the original issue.  The mother of the athlete simply said ‘My Daughter Just Wanted To Run’ - and it does seem like she is being used as a pawn here.

Printers Row Fountain is Getting a Facelift and Fix

Good news, looks like the Printers Row park fountain is getting fixed (via Block Club):

The Printers Row Fountain is getting a six-figure facelift, thanks to the Printers Row Park Advisory Council, the Chicago Park District and Ald. Sophia King (4th).

The park advisory council began restoration efforts in September, launching a crowdsourcing campaign to defray the cost of the project with the goal of raising $110,000 to upgrade the lighting, repair pump and pipes, replace colored enamel reliefs and polish the fountain’s bronze highlights.

The fountain, located inside Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St., was designed by Edward Winhurst in 1999.

It is unclear if the park advisory council met its goal; members couldn’t be reached for comment. But King confirmed that her office would be matching the park district’s $10,000 contribution.

“It was a big priority for the park advisory council, and we’re happy to add resources. Beautification is important, and it brings safety and other positive things to the neighborhood,” said King.

We posted about the drive to get donations back in September and it's great to see this moving forward.  It's a lovely little park!  

Car Crashes into Snow Plow and Destroys Fence at Roosevelt and State

 Like many of you we stumbled upon this mess:

According to CBS - looks like a car crashed into a city plow and this is part of the destruction:

A car crashed into a city plow truck in the Loop early Saturday morning, according to police.

Around 12:45 a.m., the driver in the vehicle while traveling westbound on the 1100 block of South State Street and failed to obey a traffic signal, striking a city plow truck traveling southbound on State Street, causing the plow to jump a curb and hit a large fence.

Shedd Aquarium Embarks on $500 Million Renovation Called the "Centennial Commitment"

The Shedd Aquarium is awesome and it looks like it's going to be getting even better (via Chicago Tribune):

The Shedd Aquarium houses a remarkable creature called an archerfish that spits water 3 feet into the air to knock insects off trees into the water for dinner.

Right now, the archerfish swims in an aquarium with a label displaying its name. That’s it.

But soon, visitors will be able to see the fish actually do its thing — spitting at a tree to dislodge crickets for a meal.

Interactive experiences like this inspire the public to care more about the fish and its habitat, according to Bridget Coughlin, president and CEO of the Shedd Aquarium.

This connection between humans experiencing wild animals and being inspired to conserve is the driving force behind the aquarium’s new $500 million project, an eight-year vision called the Centennial Commitment.

Connecting people to nature will involve creating new aquarium galleries along with immersive experiences and programs.

For example, the north gallery, which houses rivers, islands and lakes exhibits, will be renovated into a Caribbean coral reef habitat within a 40-foot glass tunnel. Visitors will feel as if they are part of the reef with sharks, rays and colorful fish.

Renovation and re-imagination of the aquarium galleries and educational facilities will cost roughly half of the $500 million and take four years to complete. Renovations are expected to be finished in 2026, ahead of the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2030.

Here is a rendering of one of the projects - "a Caribbean coral reef habitat that will give guests different perspectives of sharks and rays within the diverse ecosystem":

 

2021 Business Counter: We have that a net 7 new businesses opened - did we miss any?

We haven't maintained our business tracker very well this year, but that doesn't mean we can't endeavor to get a count on the year.  We've scoured some of our posts as well as other neighborhood resources (Mr. South Loop, Hello South Loop,  Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance) and here is what we got:

Opened in 2021

1. Luxury Medspa (2335 S. Michigan)
2. Naf Naf Grill (1248 S. Canal)
3. GeeFit (2127 S. Wabash)
4. Shangs (1101 S. Wabash)
5. Joffrey Ballet (1920 S. Wabash)
6. The Now Massage (1109 S. Wabash)
7. Williams Inn Pizza (2210 S. Michigan)
8. Mustard Seed (49 E. Cermak)
9. L'afrique Market (2001 S. State)
10. GeeFit (2127 S. Wabash)
11. Dollop Diner, Cafe & Bar (1210 S. Indiana)
12. Smoke Valley (1319 S. Michigan)
13. My Gym (1333 S. Wabash)
14. Duneyrr Fermenta & Moderne Dune (2337 S. Michigan)
15. Tea % (57 E. 11th)
16. Bureau Pizza (719 S. State)
17. Siam Rice (1906 S. State)
18. CBD Kratom (643 W. Roosevelt)
19. UChicago Med (47 W. Polk)
20. Veterinary Emergency Group (1114 S. Clinton)
21. Sweet Bean (1152 S. Wabash)
22. Crab Bucket (2036 S. Michigan)
23. GoGrocer (820 S. Michigan)
24. Chicago Duplicate Bridget (47 W. Polk)
25. Fit Results Chicago (731 S. Plymouth Ct)
26. Mimi's Tacos & French Fries (1155 S. Jefferson)
27. Lao Sze Chuan (616 S. Wabash)
28. Apolonia Restaurant (2201 S. Michigan)
29. Insomnia Cookies (30 E. Balbo)
30. Banfield Pet Hospital (645 W. Roosevelt)
31. JS Blossom Nail and Spa (719 S. State)

Closed in 2021

1. Dearborn Denim (728 S. Dearborn)
2. Cafe Bionda (1924 S. State)
3. Spanglish Kitchen (555 S. State)
4. Burger King (2328 S. Michigan)
5. Acadia (1639 S. Wabash)
6. Harbor (1312 S. Wabash)
7. Kurah (1355 S. Michigan)
8. Chef Luciano's (49 E. Cermak)
9. Shred 451 (1136 S Delano Ct)
10. Quench Wellness (1319 S. Michigan)
11. Mercy Medical Center (47 W. Polk)
12. Mei's Asian Small Plates (1101 S. Wabash)
13. Caribbean Jerk Palace (733 S. Dearborn)
14. Nice and Distressed (723 S. Dearborn)
15. Opart Thai (1906 S. State)
16. Pauly's Pizza (719 S. State)
17. Teriyaki Madness (829 S. Wabash)
18. Illinois Media School (530 S. State)
19. Float Sixty (1143 S. State)
20. Motor Row Brewing (2337 S. Michigan)
21. South Loop Cleaners (1248 S. Canal)
22. Tutto Italiano (501 S. Wells)
23. Urban Grocers (747 S. State)

4 out of the 5 Casino Location Proposals In or Close to the Sloop

Last week we posted about 5 casino sites that were proposed for the city and numerous ones in the Sloop. Well it ends up that 4 of the 5 are in the neighborhood!  We're not huge bettors, but those seem like pretty good odds that there is going to be a casino in the neighborhood.  The question now is where?

The four locations in (or very close) to the Sloop are:

• Bally’s Chicago — McCormick Place Truck Marshaling Yard
• Hard Rock at the One Central Development (west of Solder Field)
• Rivers Chicago at McCormick
• Rivers 78 Gaming

Each of these proposals have many pros/cons.  First off, the Bally's proposal is south of what we would consider the Sloop, but it's still pretty close.  Out of these 4 proposals, we would imagine our neighborhood would be most supportive of this one since it's just outside our boundaries.  According to the Tribune, the alderman representing this ward has been pretty adamant that she doesn't support this location - so we will see if that's a deal breaker.

While One Central is the development that won't go away and a casino at this location probably gives it a shot in the arm...we still think it's a long shot (and years away from ever potentially happening).  

Rivers Chicago at McCormick

So that leaves us with the Rivers proposals.  In our opinion, the Rivers Chicago at McCormick is very interesting on many fronts.  The Tribune explains it as:

The proposal to redevelop Lakeside Center — formerly the East Building — at McCormick Place would have a number of built-in advantages, according to Scott Goodman, founding principal of Chicago-based Farpoint Development.

“We think this is a perfect adjunct to what’s already there,” Goodman said. “Things are already in place, not least of which is the structure, but also other infrastructure, such as parking and access, and ways for people to get there.”

The seldom-used, 50-year-old Lakeside Center has 583,000 square feet of exhibit space, but is dwarfed by the newer McCormick Place West Building, which opened in 2007. It is adjacent to an abundance of hotel rooms, has lakefront vistas, is designed for high-traffic events and in a post-COVID-19 world, could help draw conventions and conventioneers to roll the dice on Chicago, Goodman said.

The plan would create casino floor up to 300,000 square feet, with the rest of the exhibit floor filled with food and beverage options, as well as entertainment spaces, Goodman said. The redevelopment would also address maintenance issues and capital improvement needs that have been “compiling” at the building, he said.

The adaptive reuse of an existing convention hall may have one significant advantage over competing proposals with new buildings — an expedited timeline.

It's a pretty iconic location right on the lake, it's a re-use of an underutilized building and it's connected to McCormick Place (which some say is a problem).  Those are pretty big assets from our vantage point.

Rivers 78

The 78 certainly has the space and nice river location for a casino, but in our opinion this spot would be a tough pill to swallow for the Sloop.  This is in the heart of the Sloop and would change they dynamics of the neighborhood in a major way.  Sure the 78 was going to do that regardless, but add a casino and we just don't know...seems like a bad move.

Details are pretty limited on this proposal, but the developer Related Midwest did say:

Related Midwest President Curt Bailey offered few details but plenty of enthusiasm about the plan, saying it “would work extremely well and probably produce the highest-income casino in the city of Chicago because of the location.”

Of course that's what he was going to stay, but might have some truth.  It is a good location.

This will be interesting to monitor.  Certainly the site at the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center is a good location, but in our opinion not as good as some of the Sloop spots.  

 

GeeFit Opening Up Gym at Aspire Residences (2111 S. Wabash)

Looks like a training club called GeeFit is opening up shop at the Aspire Residences retail space (2111 S. Wabash):

We're not familiar with GeeFit, but did find this video on their website if you're looking for some info:

GeeFit 30 Day Challenge from Highpower Studios on Vimeo.

Welcome to the neighborhood and we wish you well!

Chicago Bears Signed Agreement to Purchase Arlington Park and Further Bringing Doubt About Remaining at Soldier Field

Looks like the plot continues to thicken for the Bears and the city of Chicago.  From where I sit, the Bears continue to gain leverage (via ABC7):

The Chicago Bears signed an agreement to purchase Arlington Park, the team confirmed Wednesday morning.

The Bears and Churchill Downs Incorporated signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement this week for the entire Arlington Park land parcel in the village of Arlington Heights, a news release from the Bears said.

In a statement, a spokesperson from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office said Tuesday night that the mayor was not surprised by the move, and that they remain committed to keeping the Bears in Chicago. The spokesperson said they have informed the team they are open to discussions.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.  One way or the other, it seems like Bears are going to get what they want and then some.

Drone Footage of Union Station Powerhouse on Taylor

Who doesn't love some South Loop drone footage:

For those of you interested we posted about Union Station Powerhouse being one of Chicago's most endangered buildings last year.  

Donate to Restore Printers Row Park Fountain

Looks like the fountain at Printers Row Park needs some love:

Fountains beautify cities and make them more livable, peaceful, and inviting. They soften the edges of the steel and concrete, and they help the passersby slow down the hustle and bustle of their busy lives.

The Printers Row Park Advisory Council (PAC) needs your help! Almost a quarter of a century old, the Fountain at Printers Row Park is in serious need of restoration, above and below ground. Help us replace its colored enamel reliefs and polish its bronze highlights, upgrade its lighting, repair its pump and pipes so that this unique civic treasure can, once again, gush forth with its original energy and spirit,

In total, we need to raise $110,000 to complete the restoration by the spring of 2022. We requested and are awaiting approval from the Chicago Park District for $35,000 towards the project. Our 4th Ward Alderperson, Sophia King, has not only agreed to provide $35,000 towards the restoration but has also agreed to match dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 in donations that we receive! 

That leaves Printers Row PAC to fundraise $40,000! Please contribute whatever you can to support the South Loop community in bringing the Fountain at Printers Row Park back to its original glory! Visit the fountain before and after the restoration so that you can appreciate the significance of this project.

You can find a link to the donation page at this location.