South Loop Round-Up: Vitalogy, 626 Wabash, Da Pope T-Shirt, Southbridge & Sailing

Vitalogy bar brings new life to Printer’s Row – Lisa Shames at Eater Chicago reports that owners Jennifer Wilson and James Shields transformed the ground floor of a 142‑year‑old building in Printer’s Row into Vitalogy, a welcoming neighborhood bar. Featuring a long wooden bar, reclaimed fixtures and even a hydroponic herb garden, the South Loop hangout offers global beers, Chicago‑inspired cocktails (don’t miss the “Second City Milk Punch” with Malört) and a small‑plates menu developed by a chef friend. Wilson and James Shields say they want Vitalogy to be a community hub for the South Loop, with happy hour deals, cocktail classes and live music. Source: Eater Chicago – Lisa Shames 

Southbridge celebrates new retail anchors with ribbon cutting – Jamie Nesbitt Golden at Block Club Chicago reports that Mayor Brandon Johnson and community leaders gathered to open 23rd Place at Southbridge, a mixed‑use development bridging Chinatown, Bronzeville and the South Loop. Beloved brunch spot Batter & Berries and fitness studio 24Life Training & Fitness are the first retail tenants at the 15‑acre site, which will eventually include more than 850 homes and hundreds of public‑housing units. The city recently approved tax‑increment financing for the next phase of construction. Source: Block Club Chicago – Jamie Nesbitt Golden 

626 South Wabash rises above the ‘L’ – Daniel Schell at Chicago YIMBY writes that construction crews at 626 South Wabash Avenue have poured concrete up to the underside of the second level. When finished, the 19‑story tower will bring 164 units (co‑living suites, efficiency units and two‑bedrooms) and ground‑floor retail to the South Loop. Co‑developers DAC Development and Melrose Ascension Capital hope to attract students, while a podium will provide parking and retail space. The project started this spring and aims to open in fall 2026. Source: Chicago YIMBY – Daniel Schell  

South Loop family gifts “Da Pope” T‑shirt to Pope Leo XIV – In a feel‑good story by Chris Tye and Matthew Cramer for CBS Chicago, Marcel and Ann Munoz and their children wore navy blue “Da Pope” shirts to a mass outside Rome and presented a shirt to Pope Leo XIV. The Chicago family’s playful gift – a nod to Bears fandom – went viral after the Pope’s Instagram account shared a photo of him holding the shirt. The family hopes this Chicago blessing will bring good luck to the Bears and charmed South Loop residents. Source: CBS Chicago – Chris Tye & Matthew Cramer 

The equalizing spirit of a sailboat – Chicago Magazine’s Edward McClelland profiles attorney Patrick LoDuca, who watched sailboat races from his South Loop condo until he joined the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program at Burnham Harbor. Thanks to specialized boats that allow sailors to control sails with minimal hand strength, LoDuca now navigates Lake Michigan on his own, experiencing the inclusive and liberating nature of sailing. Source: Chicago Magazine – Edward McClelland