Monday, September 30, 2013

Bureau Bar Opening on October 4th?


A reader writes:
Just walked past "The Bureau Bar" on 16th, new signs in the window, randomly the owner was outside and noticed our interest. He said liquor license should be available on Monday and he's planning a Friday, Oct. 4th opening. We are psyched if it works out!

Last we heard (back in May) they were gathering petitions so they could get their liquor license.

Good to hear opening may be happening soon.

(Hat tip:  KF & AH!)

Saturday, September 28, 2013

New Jones College Prep Opens; Also Gets a Speeding Camera

New Jones College Prep from the corner of Polk and State
Ok.  This post is a little dated, but that doesn't mean it's not something we should share.

First off, the state-of-the-art and gigantic new Jones College Prep is officially open for students.  While it's not our favorite looking building, it's definitely unique.  Most importantly, it will probably serve its students well (even if it's not many "local" students).

On a different but related note, back at the end of August the city announced 50 locations throughout the city that would be receiving the controversial "speeding cameras".  As of now, the only location in the Sloop is by Jones College Prep (606 S. State).

And if you're curious, but don't want to click the link, here are the fines for getting caught:
Fines for violations are $35 for vehicles travelling 6-10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while in a safety zone, and $100 for vehicles travelling 11 or more miles over the posted speed limit.  
The Children's Safety Zones are designated as within 1/8th of a mile from Chicago parks or schools.

The enforcement hours will be limited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in safety zones around schools on school days Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m.: 20 mph speed limit when children are present; 30 mph speed limit when no children are present; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: 30 mph speed limit.  
The enforcement hours around parks will be limited to only those hours parks are open (typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week) with a 30 mph speed limit.

And if that's not enough, ABC7 has a nice interactive map with all the locations throughout the city.

Friday, September 27, 2013

"People Plazas" Could Come to Some Areas in the Sloop

City trying to develop random sites - Here is one in the Sloop
at the corner of Archer, Dearborn and Cullerton
Mayor Emanuel and the city are trying to raise more money and transform some random city owned land (via Chicago Tribune):
The view from the triangular slice of concrete at Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt Street in Bucktown is not exactly postcard material: an Aldi grocery store, a set of abandoned train tracks, a grassy empty lot and the CTA Blue Line clattering past close enough to be noisy. 
It's one of more than 60 odd parcels scattered from Jefferson Park to Hegewisch that fell to the Chicago Department of Transportation over the years, most the result of streets added to the grid and others closed to traffic. 
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is betting a company will look at those random plots and see dollar signs. He's looking for someone to transform the bulk of them into plazas with cultural programs and attractive landscaping. The firm could raise money by selling advertising, securing sponsorships and getting businesses to set up shop. 
In return, the city would add inviting public spaces to its neighborhoods, offload maintenance onto a private operator and share in the profits.

In theory it sounds interesting.  As always, the devil is in the details.

So you're probably wondering where and if this could come to our neighborhood.  The answer is yes.

From what we can tell there are some locations in the Sloop.  If you look at page 30 of the city RFP you can see where the spots are.

A good example of the type of lots the city is "selling" is displayed in the image above where the random triangle is formed at the intersection of Archer, Culerton and Dearborn.  There is another one at the corner of 18th and Clark.  Some additional spots in Chinatown and then another one near us just north of Congress.

What do you think?  Interesting?  Stupid?  Or you will wait and see how it plays out.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

South Loop: 3 Teens Held in Pepper Spray Attacks

From the Chicago Tribune:
Three girls are being held in connection with a pair of South Loop pepper spray attacks Wednesday night that left two women injured. 
In the first attack, a 16-year-old girl is accused of spraying a 24-year-old woman with pepper spray while two other girls, 14 and 17, blocked her escape. That happened about 10:30 p.m. in the 1100 block of South State Street. 
About 10 minutes later, police said the 17-year-old sprayed a 26-year-old woman in the 1300 block of South State Street. Like in the first attack, the other two girls blocked the 26-year-old's escape, police said. 
It's not clear what prompted the attacks. The 24-year-old was taken to an area hospital and treated for her wounds and the 26-year-old had her eyes flushed with water near where she was attacked, police said.

(Hat tip:  AW, ND, KP, NM, NS!)

Time Shares Coming to the Sloop....Kinda

Last week we read a headline from Crain's and were perplexed:

"Time Shares Planned at South Loop Hotel"

We were expecting to read about a big transformation of an existing hotel into a resort type of time share you might find in Florida.  Well not so much:
A Boca Raton, Fla.-based time-share company is dipping its toes into the Chicago waters, paying nearly $4.9 million for 12 units in the Wyndham Blake hotel in the South Loop.
But Bluegreen Corp. is betting on a hospitality concept that's unproven here despite its popularity in resort destinations such as Hawaii and the Caribbean.
12 units will pretty won't change anything around here.  Anyway, it's an interesting quick read on a shift in strategy for time shares.

On a different but related topic, we highly suggest watching a fascinating documentary about the CEO of Westgate Resorts (one of the largest time share companies in the world).  It showcases what happened to their business at the height of the real estate meltdown:
 

(Hat tip: TC!)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Motor Row Update: DePaul Arena Design Approved, Renderings and Eminent Domain Lawsuits

Rendering of the new (and approved) DePaul Basketball Arena - via Chicago Tribune
Never a dull moment with all that's going on with Motor Row.  The big news recently was (via Chicago Tribune):
Pelli Clarke Pelli, the architecture firm that proposed a glass-walled DePaul University basketball arena topped with an undulating roof, was awarded the design contract Monday by McCormick Place officials. 
The board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority voted unanimously to approve a $7.2 million contract with the New Haven, Conn.-based firm, whose Petronas Towers in Malaysia is one of the world's tallest. The firm was selected over five other finalists in a design competition.
The renderings (more pictures here) are pretty nice.  It's not quite as interesting as we would have hoped, but much better than we expected.  Blair Kamin, the Tribune architecture writer, isn't as impressed but sees this as a good first step, but hopes the design improves (behind Chicago Tribune paywall):
The big move, the humpback roof, is meant to give the arena a sculptural "fifth facade," visible from surrounding hotel rooms or blimps (assuming DePaul basketball would again warrant such television coverage). Supported by gently curving steel trusses, the roof could look dazzling, both from above and from within, creating a great interior space whose robust curves would be accentuated with skylights by day and artificial lighting by night.  
And yet, renderings of views at street-level reveal a disappointing disconnect between the roof's curvilinear drama and the building's pervasive right-angled geometry. It's as though this were two buildings — or, perhaps, a conventional, flat-roofed one with a big mountain stuck on top for effect. Compared to the masterful "Yale Whale," the result is an architectural hybrid, not a persuasive synthesis that gives us architecture with a capital A. Competition-winning designs are often revised for the better; that should happen in this case.
This isn't the end of the process.  The building will go throw numerous public meetings and most definitely will evolve.  Regardless, it seems to be full steam ahead on this project.

In other Motor Row news, the city is trying to cease some land for the Marriott Marquis that they plan to bring to the area:
In a related development Monday, Chicago's push for a 1,200-room Marriott Marquis convention hotel on a block that is kitty-corner to the arena site moved into court.  
The city filed an eminent domain lawsuit aimed at acquiring the property. The lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court seeks land on Cermak Road, between Michigan and Indiana Avenues, now owned by 121 E. Cermak LLC, an entity managed by construction executive James McHugh.  
McHugh officials declined to comment.  
The action comes a week after McHugh interests sued the city, alleging it did not have the right to block their plans for a six-story electronic data center on the site.

(Hat tip: MC, DT, TE!)

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Maxwell Progressing at Canal/Taylor; Shooting for September 2014 Opening

A reader writes about progress at the Maxwell (and a slightly blurry picture):
There is now a list of stores supposedly for the Maxwell project on Canal and Taylor. There are signs that says it is opening on Sept, 2014. The stores listed are Nordstrom Rack, Dick's Sporting Goods, Burlington Coat Factory, and Pier 1 Imports

For more background here is a post we did on the topic back in June.

(Hat tip:  RR!)

Monday, September 23, 2013

Community Meeting on Roosevelt Streetscape Improvements on Tuesday (9/24) Night @6pm

A reader sent us a link to a community meeting being held by Alderman Dowell (4ht) and Alderman Burns (2nd) about the proposed streetscaping to Roosevelt Road.  While we welcome all improvements, we're especially curious to hear about the proposed "raised two way bicycle path along the North Side of Roosevelt between Wabash and Indiana improving connections to the park and museum campaus".

Unfortunately we won't be able to attend, but if anyone goes, please come back and let us know what you hear:
(Hat tip:  LL!)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Recently on the Sloopin Message Board...

It's been awhile since we've done a post about the activity on the message board, so wanted to bring your attention to some of the many topics discussed on the message board:


Thanks for all the posts and comments on the message board!  

Optimistic Sloopers: Cermak Green Line Stop Will Open on Schedule


Shots Around the Sloop: Sloop in the Distance

(Hat tip: JW!)

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Timed Right? New Condo Building at 1345 S. Wabash Could Benefit From Lack of Competition

We've had a couple posts (January and May 2013) on the new planned rental and condo building that is being proposed by CMK Cos on the 1300 block of Wabash.

While there isn't a ton of new info, Crain's talks about this project being the first "condo" building to be built in the central business district since the real estate bubble popped:
Proposed rental (left) and condo (right) buildings
on the 1300 block of S. Wabash (via Crain's)
Developer Colin Kihnke is forging ahead with the first big downtown condominium since the crash, testing a market for new homes that's still groggy from the housing crisis. 
The developer who starts work on the first significant condo project in the central business district is expected to have a crucial advantage because of a lack of competition from rival proposals. 
In a sign of caution, Mr. Kihnke has pared back his proposal to 140 units, from the 150 units he was considering in August. The building, to be at 1345 S. Wabash Ave., would be 15 stories instead of the 16 stories he had planned, according to a report by the staff of the Chicago Plan Commission, which is scheduled to considering his zoning request for the parcel. 

Sounds like it's progressing, but still no word on when/if they will start construction.

(Hat tip: GM!)

Friday, September 20, 2013

Shots Around the Sloop: Northern Sunset?

(Hat tip: CM!)

Your Favorite "Villain's" are Coming Back to South Clark; Shooting for Early November Opening

Villain's, the popular bar that closed amid a rent dispute with their landlord in 2012, has finally announced their new location (see facebook post on the right).

For those who liked the old location at 649 S. Clark, you won't have to stray to far away as the new location is going to be across the street at 730 S. Clark.

Beyond that it's noted in the comment section that they're shooting for an early November opening.

There also a couple renderings of the new bar, which looks good.

We are pretty excited about the fact that Villain's is coming back to the area.  We've had some fun times at their old spot and look forward to more in the near future.

(Hat tip:  KP, RGR, MK!)


Thursday, September 19, 2013

What's Going On With South Loop Real Estate?

We're doing this post with the intention of starting a dialog about Sloopers thoughts on real estate in the neighborhood.

Throughout the past decade (probably longer), it has been well documented that Sloop real estate was hot.  Then it was not.   Now it's warming up again?

We like to monitor the pulse of the real estate market and it does seem like there has been an uptick.  After perusing some real estate listing sites, we noticed that some of the 2bd/2bth condos we were looking at back in 2007 and 2008 are around the same price now.  We also noticed that a condo (with the exact same floor plan) in our building sold for the same amount that we bought our condo back around this time.

There was a recent Q&A on Chicago Magazine's real estate blog asking a similar question:
Q. Dennis, we own a 2 BD/2 BA, condo in a loft building in the South Loop. We bought a home in the western burbs [and rented the condo out]. We’ve had issues with our renters, so we want to move quickly to sell the condo. 
The market has been so wacky and there are no real comps. Our real estate agent is using another home that’s for sale on our floor as a comp. Next to a different layout, better view, and indoor parking (we have outdoor parking), it’s roughly the same square footage, is well-maintained, and has some nice upgrades like our home does. 
This “comp” on our floor went on the market in July for $358k. They have since lowered the price to $348k. Our agent is suggesting we price our unit at $336k.  
Has the market really improved that much to be asking this price? I originally thought the fair market value of our home was around $280k! We paid $350k in April 2006. That included $30k for parking. 
The short answer that Dennis Rodkin, the real estate agent said was "no, the market hasn't improved that much."  Although it has improved some.

Anyway, we're curious to hear what you're thoughts are on this topic.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

First Ascent Climbing Opening Delayed Until Spring 2014

Looks like the new, state-of-the-art climbing facility, First Ascent Climbing has been delayed until Spring 2014 (based on a Facebook post the recently had):

If you recall we did a post back in February where they stated that they were planning on a Fall 2013 opening.

What still remains a mystery is an exact location.

A reader did share this comment from First Ascent Climbing with us:
We look forward to sharing more details on Facebook, including our exact location, once these elements are finalized. For now, I can tell you that we'll be a 10 minute walk from the Cermak Redline stop and a 2 minute drive from the 18th St. I-90/94 expressway exit.

Stay tuned!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Juicy Renderings of New Motor Row Marriott Marquis

We just did a post about the city announcing that the Marriott Marquis won a bid to run the new 1,200 room hotel at Indiana and Cermak.

Well Curbed Chicago had a post about the topic (via Spyguy on SkyscraperPage) and it has some nice renderings of the hotel:
Looking southeast at the new Marriott Marquis
Looking Southwest at the new hotel

Columbia Unveils Papermaker's Garden at 8th and Wabash

Rendering of new Papermaker's Garden at 8th and Wabash (via Columbia College)

Remember when we did that post about that new structure being built by Columbia at the northwest corner of Wabash and 8th?

Well we recently got an email from someone associated with the college and they directed us to a blog post:
A 5 p.m. unveiling ceremony for Columbia College Chicago’s expansion of the Papermaker’s Garden, located at 754 S. Wabash Avenue, will be one of the highlights in the Wabash Arts Corridor Crawl on Sept. 18, 5-8 pm.  
The 18-bed garden and tree plantings will act as a mini local habitat for wildlife. It also includes a rainwater capture cistern system which will reduce the amount of water used for the garden. The new garden also includes a covered multipurpose performance area.

For more information on the garden click here.

For those interested in the history of the neighborhood, this land used to be the old Buddy Guy Legend's blues club.  It was demolished.  Buddy Guy opened up a brand new club on the same block just to the North.  And Columbia has been doing random, interesting stuff with this space every since.

A nice, unique addition to the neighborhood.

(Hat tip:  NPL!)

Monday, September 16, 2013

Mariano's South Loop Opening on Tuesday, October 8th

Well this is exciting.  A reader writes:
Our family is extremely excited about this since we live just 2 blocks away! They just posted this on their Facebook page tonight.
20 days and counting!

With this in mind we went on a little walk and snapped a picture of Mariano's in its current stage:

Upon sneaking a peak inside, it looks pretty good.  It's ready for the shelves and looks like October 8th is definitely feasible.

For those who want more information here is a link to some older posts we've done (here, here and here).  If you remember the impending construction of Mariano's was the #1 story (in terms of pageviews) on Sloopin in 2012.

(Hat tip:  AB, LW, VG!)

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Claim Your Sloopin Hat Tip T-Shirt!

If you've submitted something to Sloopin and you received a hat tip, you're eligible for a Sloopin Hat Tip T-Shirt!  For more background on the program click here.

Here are some of the recent peeps who have submitted and should email us at sloopin@gmail.com to receive your shirt:

  • KE
  • JK
  • EL
  • TR
  • GH
  • ES
  • AK
  • MJZ
  • VM
  • RC
  • MJ

As always thanks for your contributions and keep them coming!

Shots Around the Sloop: Revisiting Sloopapalooza

(Hat tip: KE & AG!)

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Marriott Marquis Coming to Cermak

Another step in the plan to revamp the Motor Row area (via Chicago Tribune):
The planned 1,200-room convention hotel to be built just west of McCormick Place will be operated by Marriott International Inc., convention officials decided Friday morning. 
The hotel, expected to open in late 2016 next to the West Building, will be a Marriott Marquis, the company's premium convention center brand. 
Financial details of the 10-year contract, approved by the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, were not disclosed. Officials of the authority, a state-city agency, said the contract would not be made public until it was finalized and signed.
Also interesting is that Lakeside Bank (currently at the northeast corner of Indiana and Cermak) might be moving to 14th and Michigan as part of a swap:
The board also authorized the pursuit of a property at 14th and Michigan that could be turned over to Lakeside Bank in exchange for its current branch site at Cermak Road and Indiana Avenue, which is needed for the arena project.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Transformers 4 Filming This Weekend Around Roosevelt

A reader writes about a filming this weekend:
This sign is posted in the Roosevelt Collection Lofts. Looks like we will have some action on Saturday and tons of traffic issues on Roosevelt.

Another reader confirms this and sends some pictures:
Some images I took this morning from Polk and Financial...looks like they'll be filming around us soon. And they seem to be hiding bumble bee somewhere under those tarps!

(Hat tip: JK, RG & SC!)

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Construction Begins to Improve Coliseum Park; Update on Fred Anderson Park

A reader writes:
Construction at Coliseum Park (14th and Wabash) has begun on the new children's play area and dog park. Shot from my balcony.


Speaking of parks, apparently the Fred Anderson Park has finally been given the green light (according to a recent article in DNAinfo.com)
After six years of planning, the Chicago Park District is moving forward with plans to upgrade Fred Anderson Park in the South Loop — and dog lovers will be pleased.  
The district's board of commissioners unanimously supported a contract with Robe Construction, Inc., to create "a dog friendly area with artificial turf for both large and small dogs," along with a "dog drinking fountain" for the park.

What isn't mentioned is an estimated time frame for either breaking ground or completing Fred Anderson park.  Has anyone seen this published somewhere?

Ironically a reader also forwarded us this recent news letter titled, "First Concert Announced for Fred Anderson Park Site".  We assume this concert will be held prior to breaking ground on the new park, but it isn't very clear.

Regardless, good to see some progress at both parks.

(Hat tip:  EL & A!)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Printers Row Park Shoe Mystery

A reader writes and sends us the picture above:
Since April I have seen at least 8 pairs of shoes, placed together, neatly, around Printers Row Park. At first I thought it they might have been left behind by the Grace Place Pancake Breakfast homeless, but then they would not appear till the middle of the week. I saw another pair Wednesday night, and I thought I would send these collage along. It's probably some Colombia Collage art installation, and there is a video feed watching people, like me taking photos of old shoes on the street :)
Does anyone have additional info on this one?

(Hat tip: TR!)

Additional shoes just from Sunday (September 9th):

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Trivia in the Sloop - Any Suggestions?

We know a variety of bars offer trivia in the neighborhood, but frankly we're not buffs so don't know a ton on the topic.

A reader is curious:
I'm hoping you have your finger on the pulse here... any idea if there is pub trivia in the South Loop?

(Hat tip: GH!)

Crave Cafe & Lounge Open for Business at 1250 S. Michigan

We've received a lot of emails and it appears the Crave Cafe and Lounge has officially opened their doors at 1250 S. Michigan.  Crave will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  And while lounge is in their business name, they're still waiting on their liquor license...which should be coming shortly.

We've had a lot of people email us their opinions after trying them out and like most restaurants it appears like the opening days have been inconsistent.

For instance one reader had a very positive experience:
I stopped into Crave yesterday. Sounds like they are tentatively open until 9pm each day...until they can get a liquor license, in which case they'll be open until midnight. I tried one of the coconut brownies (delicious!) and the mac and cheese (with bacon and scallions). It was good enough that I'm going to try them this weekend for brunch. Check it out!

While the next, not so much:
Looks like Crave Cafe and lounge are open. We were walking by and stopped in today (Saturday). They said they had opened on Thursday. There were a couple of customers in there. The experience that we had was pretty rough. The wait for the food was extremely long, the salad leaves were very wilted. The tater tots were supposed to come with a dipping cheese sauce, which was missing, and then when we asked about it, they ended bringing out a couple slices of melted cheddar which is in no way dippable. Also, their service was very subpar (a lot of inexperience). 
The menu does look good, which is what pulled us in to begin with. Hopefully with a little more time, they will get up to speed.

We haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but plan to in the near future.  The menu does look interesting, so we are optimistic.

It's always good to have options in the neighborhood.  Welcome to Crave Cafe and Lounge - we're glad to have you!

PS - Business Counter is updated!

(Hat tip: ES, RK, TJ, JM, KM, CR!)

Monday, September 9, 2013

Sloop Dental Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Sponsored Post

Sloop Dental (1440 S. Wabash) recently celebrated their one year anniversary and we had the pleasure of exchanging some emails on the topic:
What's your favorite thing that has happened since you opened your practice?  
Sloop Dental (1440 S. Wabash)
Professionally, my favorite thing has been being able to meet so many people in the neighborhood. The South Loop is a very unique area of the city and has an interesting variety of people. Having the opportunity to meet the different kinds of people and learning a little about each person makes the work day a little more interesting and keeps things from being routine. I don’t know where else I would be able to meet doctors, musicians, businessmen/women, professors, lawyers, judges, police officers, firemen, artists, nurses, stay-at home parents, and children all in a day’s work. Personally, it has been the birth of my first child, J.J. (Joseph James) Allen. Being able to see him when I come home from a long day at the office makes any stress from the day go away.

What have you learned?
Being a dentist for the past 6 years I have continued to grow upon my skills learned in school expanding my services from basic general dentistry to include cosmetic dentistry and implant services by completing over 500 hours of continuing education and will be applying for my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry this year. As a first time business owner over the past year I have learned more than I ever expected. Dealing with the city of Chicago has been interesting to say the least and discovering how much I have to pay in taxes was eye opening.
Politics aside, learning how to be an employer rather than an employee for the first time has been personally rewarding. Discovering the best in people and learning how to use those qualities to benefit the business has been challenging, but I think we have been successful as seen by many of our satisfied patients that compliment us personally or through online reviews on the comfortable environment we have created. As a first time father, I have learned how to do so many things I have never done before like changing diapers, feeding, and putting together a variety of things. Lastly, I have learned how important sleep is.

Has your opinion of the residents and neighborhood had changed?
Seeing continued growth though new business and residents is beginning to change the neighborhood from an area of potential growth to that of an established, successful neighborhood. When discussing the neighborhood with other people from the city the topic of conversation is no longer what will be like in the future, but what is has to offer now. 

One more thing....
We would like to thank everyone who has come into our office and supported Sloop Dental through our first year. The first year of business is said to be the hardest, but with great patients and support from the community has made it easier. 

Finally, here is a video for Sloop Dental

American Kidz Academy Opening at 1006 S. Michigan


Looks like a new daycare is coming to Michigan Avenue - a reader writes:
American Kidz Academy is now enrolling for the south loop location at 11/Michigan. They now have signage in the windows.

We don't know much about this institution.  Seems like they have decent reviews on Yelp.  Parents of the Sloop - what are your thoughts?

(Hat tip: CD!)

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Chicago Recovery Room Opens at 1509 S. Michigan

We apparently missed a business that opened in the spring at 1509 S. Michigan:
My name is Liz Yerly, I'm the owner of the Chicago Recovery Room located at 1509 S. Michigan Ave. I officially opened April 12th.  My business is located within the Accelerated Physical Therapy space, but is completely separate from them. 
I'm essentially an open to the public athletic training room. We offer all things recovery, for all level athletes from compression boots for flushing toxins, a full submersion ice bath, and various therapy balance and rolling tools. We offer any service a collegiate level training room would offer, such as access to electrical stim machines, ice, heat, ultrasound etc... We also have massage therapy services, with a very therapeutic nature to them for injury rehab etc.  
Check out my website for more info! We've been featured on WGN, ABC, Chicago Athlete, and ESPN Sports Medicine Radio!
Welcome to the neighborhood.  We have added them to the 2013 business counter as well.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Well Future Pharmacy Featured in Chicago Tribune Article about Independent Pharmacies

Well Future Pharmacy (1442 S. Michigan) got some nice press in a recent Chicago Tribune about independent pharmacies.  The piece talks about some of the differences between independents and large national chains (CVS, Walgreens, etc).

One of our favorite things about independents is their personal care:
Well Future Pharmacy - Image from Chicago Tribune
When Angie Gleghorn's daughter's eye became infected, she took her to a local walk-in clinic's nurse, who prescribed emergency eye drops. Even though it was after-hours and Gleghorn wasn't a customer, Well Future agreed to stay open longer to fill the prescription, Gleghorn said. " 
Almost 30 minutes after they were supposed to close, they stayed open just to fill the prescription for us," said Gleghorn, 34. "The pharmacist also tried to explain that putting eye drops in your eyes was fun and helpful. It was nice that he took the time to explain things to us."

Nice work Well Future and glad to have you in the Sloop!

(Hat tip:  MJZ!)

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Come to the 2013 Festival on Prairie Avenue this Saturday, September 7th


2101 S. Michigan Residential Highrise Gets $42 Million Investment

In case you missed this last week the much ballyhooed 2101 S. Michigan residential high-rise is getting a make over (via Curbed Chicago):
2101 S. Michigan Highrise
The aging 250-unit rental building at 2101 S Michigan is getting a major overhaul. The $42M project will create "245 union construction jobs" and deliver a new lobby, community room, laundry facility, and energy-efficient mechanicals, all while preserving 90 units of subsidized housing.
The press release from The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) has more info:
The 2101 South Michigan property is located in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, an area that is experiencing a growing demand for residential space and neighborhood amenities. Ninety of the building's units are subsidized through a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with 39 of those units restricted to residents age 62 and older. These units will remain affordable through a long-term HAP contract that extends the affordability component of the property for another 20 years.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Umai Gets Some Love from Chicago Magazine

Umai (730 S. Clark) instantly got our attention after some good meals, but it's always nice to see local restaurants get some broader citywide attention.  Chicago Magazine recently gave them a shoutout in a post stated "Try These Four New Chicago Sushi Places":
Juno is undoubtedly the big kahuna of new sushi restaurants, but Gari Sushi & Asian Bistro (2020 W. Chicago Ave., 773-486-1118) and Umai (730 S. Clark St., 312-986-8888) have also emerged as solid neighborhood spots. Umai’s dining room has a modern, lofty feel, with high ceilings and a Japanese mural.
The article also goes on to tout Umai's Surf & Turf roll.  Or if you want something local try the Sloopin roll:
Sloopin Roll in the Middle
(Hat tip: VM!)

"Restaurant, Burgers & Alcohol License" Coming to the Columbian?

Vacant Retail Space at Northwest Corner of Roosevelt & Michigan (via Google Maps)

A juicy rumor for a high-profile retail spot in the Sloop:
We've heard rumors that something is finally going into the retail space at the Columbian, 1160 S Michigan. The only details that have emerged are restaurant, burgers, and alcohol license. Have you heard anything?

We heard something similar recently about a restaurant coming to the space, but didn't hear the details about burgers or alcohol license (although we figured it would have alcohol for some reason).

Does anyone know anything about this?  Seems like a great spot with all the foot traffic at this high-profile corner.

UPDATE:  Over on our Facebook page a reader wrote:
Met with the owner of Burger Bar and Sono Wood Fired at the Windy City BBQ Classic this weekend and he confirmed that they are opening another Burger Bar at the Columbian.

(Hat tip:  RC & KP!)

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Sloopin Mailbag - "I See Something, What's That?"

Columbia Building Something at 8th and Wabash
A reader writes:
Construction happening on Columbia's lot at 8th and Wabash. Anybody know what's being built there?
Something being built at Northwest corner of 8th and Wabash


Something Coming to Printer's Row?
A reader writes:
I live in the Transportation Building on 600 S Dearborn. I noticed the 'Space Available' sign was removed from the vacant retail space next to Sofi Italian restaurant. Hopefully something new is coming soon! If I find out any more info, I will let you know!
Something coming to 620 S. Dearborn?
Anyone know anything about this space?

Annoying Noise at 13th and Prairie
A reader writes:
I have lived in the south loop for almost a decade. I love it. However, I have been noticing a constant buzzing in the neighborhood, specifically around 13th and Prairie. It almost sounds like a generator has a broken part. Has anyone brought this up on your blog? I searched, however I did not find anything. I would like to find out where the noise is coming from and see if the noise level can be toned down. I thought I would turn to my trusty neighborhood blog first! 


(Hat tip: MJ, AK, VB, KRM!)

Monday, September 2, 2013

Happy Labor Day from Sloopin!

In honor of the day we're taking you back to a 2007 video from the fine peeps at YoChicago:

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Send in Tips and Claim Your Sloopin Hat Tip T-Shirts!

It's been a couple of weeks since we did a post about our super comfortable (and good looking) Sloopin Hat Tip T-Shirts, so figured we would post a reminder.

Remember - if you get a hat tip you're eligible to get a Hat Tip T-Shirt.  For the logistics, click on our original link.

Here are some of the recent Hat Tip eligible readers:

  • KW
  • CS
  • AD
  • MP
  • V808
  • AR
  • JJ
  • CR
  • SR
  • OS
  • TT
  • MM
  • CL
  • FS
  • KP
  • NDS
  • CC
  • BBC
  • MC
  • CPM
  • LS
  • LL
Wow that's a lot of T-shirts!  If you're initials are above and you sumbitted a story sometime over the last couple of weeks, please let us know.  You can then go to Well Future Pharmacy to redeem your sweet Sloopin shirt!

As always thanks for all the tips and keep them coming.  We do our best to post everything.

Best,
Sloopin Crew

Rezko Property Will Be Developed...But Don't Hold Your Breath


Shots Around the Sloop: Colorful Sky


(Hat tip: KW!)