Will Conventioneers Make "Motor Row Entertainment District" Succeed?

Joe Cahill of Crain's recently had a post questioning the city's assumptions in their plan to build the DePaul "activity center" and two new hotels in the area.  We've spent a lot of time thinking about this and talking about this.

Cahill looks at some of the city's assumptions and then lays out his thinking.  One of the assumptions he states is:

”Motor Row,” a desolate stretch that housed car dealerships a century ago, will morph into a bustling nightlife district.

Later in the post he counters this assumption with the following:

As for Motor Row, if the rapidly expanding residential areas of the Near South Side haven't spawned a thriving nightlife scene yet, conventioneers won't make it happen.

So what do you think?  Do you agree with this rationale?

While we see his angle, it seems like he's drastically oversimplifying.  While conventioneers aren't solely going to revitalize the area, they are probably going to help.  Couple that with the Sloop's growth trajectory and it would seem like both could make "Motor Row" succeed.

We also wouldn't call the Sloop's nightlife "thriving" but it's definitely better than it was 5 or 10 years ago (anyone disagree?).  Slowly but surely it's reasonable to think it could continue to extend south, especially if the city makes an effort to make this happen.

Maybe we're wrong.  What do you think?  

Chicago Reader Reviews Nepal House

We still haven't been to Nepal House (1301 S. Michigan), but reviews seem to be solid.  Yelp reviewers give it 4 stars and the Chicago Reader seems to have positive things to say (even though they question the owners business logic):

Bhatmas (Image from Chicago Reader)

I can't fathom the logic the folks behind the South Loop's Chicago Curry House employed in opening another Nepalese restaurant less than half a mile south—especially since the mother ship Curry Hut got its start in faraway Highwood, Lake County. OK, Nepal House has a much more trafficked location, but I can think of a dozen other neighborhoods that could use, and would support, a reliable source for momo, gundruk ko takari, or goat chhoela. What did the South Loop do to deserve two restaurants with nearly identical menus?  

I'm not sure there's much more I can say about Nepal House that I haven't already said about Chicago Curry House, which is a more-than-decent option for the mildly spicy food of the Himalayas. Nepalese restaurants in these parts tend to be duplicative in the sense that they always feature a small selection of actual Nepalese food headlining a large menu of the same northern and southern Indian dishes (but not Italian!) you see everywhere. So while I'd like to see a broader representation (yak-butter tea, anyone?), there are plenty of other options for eaters who just can't stomach "chicken chow mein Nepali style."

Shots Around the Sloop: Dark Cloud

(Hat tip: KP!)

GSLA Wellness Walk Tomorrow (6/15)

Weather Mark Tavern Celebrates 7 Years in the Sloop

Here at Sloopin we spend a lot of time thinking about and talking about what's next in the neighborhood.  A new bar, a new restaurant, a new business, a new whatever.

Well today we're going the other way and wanted to give a quick shout-out to Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan) who celebrates it's 7th birthday in the Sloop with a party this Saturday and some specials all week long:

Weather Mark Tavern celebrates their seventh anniversary with seven days of $7 specials from Sunday, June 9 through Saturday, June 15. On Saturday, June 15, the restaurant will host an anniversary party with a live DJ and feature a complimentary buffet and midnight champagne toast. They will also have 20oz Bud Light Drafts for have $4 and Skyy Vodka cocktails in 20oz Anniversary cups for $6.  

The girls of Bud Light will be on-hand to ring in the festivities as well, giving away items to patrons at the party. There will be a raffle with all proceeds benefiting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Guests can purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or five tickets for $20. Raffle prizes include sailing lessons, concert tickets, a limo ride, Weather Mark Tavern gift cards, and more. In addition to raffle prizes, the restaurant will have a variety of giveaways.

Congrats on the anniversary and hear is to another great 7 years!

Spring Awakening Fest Brings Bass to Soldier Field & Sloop

We ain't gonna lie, we like the bass.  Yes, we're probably a little old for the neon clothes and the late teen to young twenty year-old crowd, but hey the music just makes you wanna dance.

If this sounds interesting to you, then you may want to sneak over to the Soldier Field area to witness the second incarnation of the Spring Awakening music festival.  You may remember it from last year and you may not.  If you were in the Sloop you probably heard the persistent bass.

Well, according to an article in the Sun-Times, the festival is trying to minimize the noise for residents:

This weekend, another thumping electronic music festival comes to town — this time setting up shop in downtown Chicago. The Spring Awakening Music Festival features DJs and tech-music pioneers on four stages inside and around Soldier Field each afternoon and evening Friday through Sunday. 

Should residents in the South Loop run to the drugstore for earplugs? 

“People should expect to hear some music. It is an outdoor music festival. But we have taken every measure to help reduce excessive sound,” says Zach Partin of Chicago’s React Presents, which produces the annual festival. “We planned ahead and directed each stage’s sound away from residents and the harbor to help reduce sound bleed in either direction.”

So there you have it.  Maybe you won't hear it.  Maybe you will.  Or maybe you will be inside listening to Calvin Harris bring down the house on Sunday night like he did last year at Lolla:

Hawks Cup Quest: Where to Watch in the Sloop

A couple of years ago we profiled our top 10 places to watch sports in the Sloop.  Since it's the day of the Stanley Cup finals between our beloved Blackhawks and the hated Boston Bruins we thought we would ask what you think.

Unless you're one of the lucky few who gets to go to the United Center for the game tonight, you're probably looking for a restaurant/bar to catch the game.

While our list hasn't changed much we thought we would do a quick poll to get your thoughts.  

We've narrowed it down to our favorite ten places to catch sports in the hood - head over to the poll on the right bar and let us know which is your favorite (in alphabetical order):

Bar Louie (47 W. Polk) 

Flo & Santos (1310 S. Wabash) 

Jimmy Greens (825 S. State)
Kaseys Tavern (701 S. Dearborn)

Kroll's (1736 S. Michigan)  

Reggie's (2105 S. State)
Square One (1400 S. Michigan)

The Scout (1301 S. Wabash)

Wabash Tap (1233 S. State)

Weather Mark Tavern (1503 S. Michigan)

Go Hawks!

Women's Boutique Coming to 1345 S. Michigan?

While we haven't officially heard anything, we recently noticed some activity in the vacant retail space at 1345 S. Michigan.

The space has been vacant since late 2011 when Doctor's Choice closed its doors and blamed Medicare.

Anyway, lights have been on, brown paper on the windows and after peaking in we saw new paint, hardwood floors, some fake brick columns (we presume) and some manikin busts that appeared to be for women's jewelry?

It also looks like they're building out dressing rooms in the back behind the manikins.

There isn't a permit on the window or anything so we're just guessing here.

Anyone have the inside scoop?

The Three Bedroom Condo Shortage Dilemma

The Chavin's and their new 3 bedroom in the Grant (via Chicago Tribune)

While the Sloop has some 3-bedroom condos/apartments in the neighborhood, apparently there is a shortage (see Curbed Chicago blurb here).

Their article was in reference to a Tribune article which talks about developers realization that there is a changing trend and young families want to live in the city, but need more room.

A South Loop family was featured as an intro (Chicago Tribune):

Residential properties with more space and near a vibrant downtown and recreational amenities are attracting buyers such as Chase and Stefanie Chavin. 

In their desire to stay in the South Loop and maintain an active lifestyle, the Chavins bought a 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom condo at The Grant, which will provide ample room to grow for their 3-year-old son and 22-month-old daughter. 

The Grant, a 54-story condo tower on South Prairie Avenue, has sold nearly half its 94 three-bedroom units since sales began this year. 

"We love living in the city and taking our kids to the museums, parks and restaurants," Stefanie Chavin said. "Now we have the space to grow in place. We wouldn't have moved here if we didn't think we could live here at least five years." 

Gail Lissner, vice president of Appraisal Research Counselors, an appraisal and consulting firm in Chicago, said three-bedroom units in the city are selling fast.

Shots Around the Sloop: Spaceship

(Hat tip: KP!)

Bike to Work Week Starts Today; Stop at Roosevelt Collection for a Pit Stop on Monday, June 10th

Image from Roosevelt Collection Blog

It's apparently "Bike to Work" week in Chicago and since we like to trumpet alternative transportation methods thought we would let you know about a local event taking place in conjunction with the city's wider initiative (via Roosevelt Collection Blog):

Next Monday morning, June 10th, Roosevelt Collection and McCaffery Interests will be hosting a National Bike to Work Week event, welcoming cyclists from the South Loop and beyond to enjoy refreshments, learn about bike safety and meet with your two-wheeled inclined neighbors before they ride into work. Our pit stop—put on in conjunction with the Active Transportation Alliance and the Alliance for a Greener South Loop—will kick off the Commuter Bike Week Challenge. Below is everything you need to know:

What: Roosevelt Collection – Bike to Work Week Pit Stop
Where: 150 W Roosevelt Road – Center Plaza
When: 6/10 – 6:30 AM to 9 AM

We will have Caribou Coffee, Clif Bars, treats from Trader Joes and water bottles, among other goodies. Chicago non-profit Working Bikes, who work to provide donated bikes to those in need, will also join us next Monday.

The Treasured Printers Row Lit Fest Begins Today

Probably the best fest in the hood begins today and ends on Sunday.  If you've never been, we highly recommend wandering around (even if you're not a literature buff).  You will run into some random things that will surely interest you.

Here is the website for more info.

If that doesn't do it for you, maybe you should wander slightly north and hit up Blues fest.

Both are great and both are so close to home!

Maybe we will see you around!

Nuovo Aesthetics Opens at 2037 S. Indiana

Remember that post we did a couple of weeks ago about a new business coming to 2037 S. Indiana.  Well it's time for their opening:

Nuovo Aesthetics and Smartlipo is excited to announce its official Grand Opening to be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 12pm-4pm. Located at 2037 S. Indiana Avenue, Nuovo invites all Chicagoans to its ribbon cutting ceremony, complimentary application of flirty flare weekend lashes and Botox and Juvederm demonstrations. Guests will receive an opportunity to meet and greet the Owner and President, Dr. Dominic Tolitano and Nurse Manager, Crystal Spaeth,RN, and enjoy refreshments and fabulous prizes.

Good luck and welcome to the Sloop!

Confirmed: Sofi Coming to 616 S. Dearborn

At this point it seems like a done deal - a new Italian restaurant named Sofi will inhabit 616 S. Dearborn which was formerly Trattoria Caterina.

It's been a hot topic here on Sloopin as well as our message board.

But yesterday a reader sent us a picture of a sign in the window (pic on the right).

The website is clearly a work-in-progress, so we don't know a ton about the spot.  However, a couple well informed readers have done some digging for us.

First off it seems like Sofi will be a sister restaurant to the Lincoln Park spot called Riccardo Enoteca (2116 N. Clark).  That restaurant has solid reviews on yelp (3.5 stars) and open table (4 stars), so that's a good sign.  Entres apear to be in the $10 - $20 range.  Not cheap but definitely reasonable for Italian.

Another reader let us know that they're shooting for a June 15th opening.  That means they would open a week from Saturday.  We will see, but glad to see an experienced restauranteur opening a spot in the Sloop!

(Hat tip: Jake312, Jim in the Sloop, MJ!)

The Maxwell Development Gets $53 Million in Financing

Rendering of the Maxwell (via Chicago Real Estate Daily)

Big box retailers are apparently lining up to come to the Roosevelt Road shopping area.  While news and progress on the Maxwell has been steady since early 2012, a big financial hurdle seems to have been cleared for the massive retail project (via Chicago Real Estate Daily):

At time when many lenders are still skittish about retail real estate, a venture led by developer Rob Bond has landed $53.4 million in construction financing for a proposed South Loop shopping center anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods.

BMO Harris N.A. and PrivateBank & Trust Co. have agreed to split equally the financing for the Maxwell, a 230,000-square-foot center near Roosevelt Road and Canal Street, said Mr. Bond, who is developing the two-story project in a joint venture with Bucksbaum Retail Properties LLC.

Construction has started, with the project expected to open in September 2014.

Regardless of how you feel about national big box retailers, it's hard to deny that their is some solid momentum for the retail scene in the Sloop.

Beyond the news of the financing, a couple other interesting points from the article:

• Burlington Coat Factory and Potbelly are reportedly opening up shop at the Maxwell (which would be in addition to Nordstrom Rack and Dick's Sporting Goods)
• TJ Maxx is also mentioned as a potential tenant (without confirmation)
• There is either 70 (or 90%) of the property already leased.  The article says both, but regardless it sounds like their is a lot of interest in the building

So what do you think?  Good sign for the Sloop?  Do you hate big box?

(Hat tip:  AR!)

Bank Files Foreclosure Suit Against Chicago Firehouse

A South Loop dining fixture runs into a potential issue (via Chicago Real Estate Daily):

The temperature is rising for the owner of the Chicago Firehouse restaurant in the South Loop.

Northbrook Bank & Trust Co. has filed a foreclosure suit against Matthew O'Malley, who owns the steakhouse at 1401 S. Michigan Ave. The restaurateur failed to pay off a $2.7 million loan balance on the property that came due in February, according to a complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court.  

The lawsuit is the latest legal tangle for Mr. O'Malley, who also faces a $3.3 million foreclosure lawsuit by the same bank against a building he owns at 2400 S. Michigan Ave., the former home of the Chicago Defender.

The article goes onto to say that the lawsuit won't affect operations at any of Mr. O'Malley's business - City Tavern, Wabash Tap or Chicago Firehouse.

(Hat tip: MarkChicago!)

Zoning Committee Approves Construction of British School of Chicago in South Loop

DNAinfo provides the following update on the debate around the British School of Chicago:

Renderings of British School of Chicago & Rooftop Park
(Via DNAinfo)

A city zoning committee voted Monday to allow the construction of a British School of Chicago in a vacant lot behind the Roosevelt Collection mall in the South Loop.

If the Lincoln Park school decides to build a publicly accessible park atop the building, residents are lucky, because they might otherwise not have gotten a park at all, Ald. Danny Solis (25th) said Monday before taking the vote on a planned development amendment to allow the school's construction. 

The Chicago Park District "was never interested" in taking over responsibility for developing and maintaining a park at the site, despite promises of a 2.2 acre green space that residents have clung to for months of back-and-forth with McCaffery Interests, which owns the Roosevelt Collection and the surrounding land, Solis said.

So it sounds like the school is moving forward, right?

The big head scratcher is the sentence that starts with "if"!  Does that mean the school has the green light to be built, but the "rooftop park" is now not required?  Hopefully we're just reading that wrong.

Can anyone help clarify for us?

UPDATE (6/6) - From a reader:
Before we all fall down the rabbit hole of speculation and conjecture it's best that we gather and assess the facts of this matter. I emailed the author of DNAInfo's article Lizzie Schiffman for clarification on the story.

Here is her reply: "Sorry for the confusion! The developers have committed to building the park, but the point Ald. Solis was making was that they were doing it out of their own generosity, not an obligation to provide a park, since that promise was made by the previous developers. Apologies if that was unclear, and thanks for reading! Best, Lizzie"

The History Behind the Field Museum

[Field Museum of Natural History
(1921) Peirce Anderson, designer,
Graham, Anderson, Probst & White;
Graham Burnham & Co.;
D.H. Burnham & Co.;
architects /Image & Artwork: designslinger]

A good read for the history buff or just the casual fan of Chicago architecture (from designlinger):

If you weren't sure, you might wonder if that corrosively challenged marble maiden is holding up the porch roof of a classical Greek temple, but of course you'd be wrong. She is perched far from the Athenian Acropolis and stands proudly, though a little worse for wear, in Chicago near the shore of Lake Michigan. Built between 1915 and 1921, the Field Museum of Natural History was never intended to stand where it does today, but its classical facade was part of the plan from the get-go.  

The majesty of Greco-Roman classicism had a big impact on a lot of people as a result of Chicago architect Daniel Burnham's embrace of the ancient decorative form as the style of choice at the World Columbian Exposition in 1893. One of those so impressed was the city's powerful and wealthy merchant prince Marshall Field. He had hired Burnham the year before to build the first portion of what would become one of the largest department store buildings in the country, so he and Burnham had established a relationship that went beyond one anothers professional interests. But by the time the Fair opened for business in May of 1893 Burnham had moved away from the heavy rusticated stone his lead designer Charles Atwood had produced for Field's Wabash Avenue extension, and had become the champion of the western traditions of architectural antiquity.

Shots Around the Sloop: Train from City

(Hat tip: KP!)

Northerly Island Concert Venue Construction Delayed

Image from WBEZ

Big changes are in store of Northerly Island, but apparently it's going slower than anticipated given our inclement weather (via DNAinfo):

Headaches caused by recent heavy rain in Chicago didn't end with flooded basements and citywide power outages: The weather also forced the Northerly Island music venue's first post-renovation concert to be relocated. 

Dispatch, scheduled to play the former Charter One Pavilion Saturday, announced via Twitter and Facebook late Wednesday that its show would be relocated to UIC Pavilion after reps from Charter One warned that "their winter renovations wouldn't be completed in time for this Saturday's show."

While we're sorry for Dispatch fans who were hoping for a show under the stars, lucky for Live Nation (the venues operators) there aren't 22,000+ fans going to the concert and it could be easily relocated to UIC.

However, they better get their act together because when Jimmy Buffet and his parrot heads invade in late June they'll need the new venue open.  And we can't even imagine what would happen if the Phish fanatics have to be relocated...YIKES!

If that's not an interesting enough story for you, then we suggest checking out this gem from WBEZ and suspicion about the bidding process for the Northely Island concert venue.  Shady Chicago?