tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post8808221313740321538..comments2023-10-01T11:04:12.429-05:00Comments on Sloopin - A South Loop Blog: Does the South Loop Need a Master Plan?Sloopyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513112726608015138noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-45072091994393506542011-04-24T23:19:22.797-05:002011-04-24T23:19:22.797-05:00The south loop need a marquee festival with music,...The south loop need a marquee festival with music, food, etc. Something like a block party or taste of the south loop, maybe a wine festival. A marquee festival would bring hype to the south loop from outside neighborhoods and could possible bring more business to the south loop from other neighborhoods. Every other neighborhood that I hear mentioned on sloopin has something like this for example Lincoln Parks art and music festival.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-81673223340886281382011-04-14T12:29:56.108-05:002011-04-14T12:29:56.108-05:00Please, no more street banners until the unsightly...Please, no more street banners until the unsightly ones hung by the Central Station developer are removed. Torn, tattered, and ripped lightpost banners claiming 'welcome to central station' have been hanging (by a thread!) along 16th and Prairie for YEARS. Their condition worsens every year, and nobody does anything about it. These banners are an immense eyesore when not properly maintained.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-24475215952624275072011-04-13T07:48:30.565-05:002011-04-13T07:48:30.565-05:00Great blog post and conversation starter.
1) Eve...Great blog post and conversation starter.<br /><br />1) Everyone needs to read The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs.<br /><br />2) A master plan needs to provide guiding principles not rigid edicts on aesthetics (thats for the suburbs). Bike Friendly would be a great first step. And integrating Dearborn Park would also be high on the list. Growth will come for south of Roosevelt, its a matter of how it comes. <br /><br />3) Unfortunately right now the South Loop functions a bit like a suburb because it is mostly residential and people leave the area to go to work.<br /><br />3) To combat number 2, we need a healthy mix of business types. If we just import restaurants and high-end retail, we won't become a neighborhood, just a destination.<br /><br />4) Leverage what we have. The Museum Campus and Soldier Field are right next door. How can we add businesses to capitalize on these tremendous assets.<br /><br />5) Neighborhood identity needs to come residents. We don't want some outsiders coming in with some corporate scheme and telling us what our neighborhood should be.Kylenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-83609798246718467842011-04-09T10:54:14.695-05:002011-04-09T10:54:14.695-05:00In my dream world a developer would buy the empty ...In my dream world a developer would buy the empty lots just south of ole-hardwood all the way from the wabash side to the michagan side and build a walk-through plaza with shops and restaurants. It was provide a central meeting place for people in the area to go for food/entertainment and socializing. A few years ago, the Sundance group was going to build a Sundance theater in the West Loop but the deal went sour, but as the South Loop has a richer history in film, it would be better placed down in these parts. It makes me sad to think that this is all just a dream....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-53879040532937461662011-04-09T06:17:43.044-05:002011-04-09T06:17:43.044-05:00I like the logo idea. Anyone for a little momentum...I like the logo idea. Anyone for a little momentum?BColeKidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-15112088287740510252011-04-07T11:43:36.595-05:002011-04-07T11:43:36.595-05:00Sloopin Ticker -- Art Gallery opening next to Tapa...Sloopin Ticker -- Art Gallery opening next to Tapas Valencia soon....Last day to sign-up for Monkey Bar Gym April 23rd Party is today and go to Whole Foods and buy 2nd Annual South Loop Movie Festival ($10) tix for Apr 28th.Allennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-71049271396928395632011-04-06T19:50:10.739-05:002011-04-06T19:50:10.739-05:00The South Loop needs more branding. We have really...The South Loop needs more branding. We have really nice light posts down S Michigan Ave with rods sticking out of them for banners, and there has never been any installed. I think local businesses should sponsor a banner and then get they're name printed on it along with some type of South Loop logo, much like other neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, etc. I know this is something very small in contrast to larger issues at hand, but it can add some color to the streets and support local businesses. <br /><br />Sloopin should sponsor a South Loop logo contest, where everyone can contribute ideas to what would be the perfect logo to represent and symbolize the South Loop.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-11421365577578786602011-04-06T17:46:26.088-05:002011-04-06T17:46:26.088-05:00There are too many dreary walks around the Sloop t...There are too many dreary walks around the Sloop towards the new developments on Roosevelt. I think there was a second phase to the RC Plan, so I don't know the reasoning of building a mammoth structure that is closed off to Printer's Row, except for a two story staircase that will be opened someday (and the secret elevator off of Wells). Elevated Roosevelt is a problem. A bridge connecting Polk across the river at street level would be nice. Better incorporating Dearborn Park along Roosevelt and Clark would be nice too. Some forward-thinking for once. Is that too much to ask?BColeKidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-78572244041672769882011-04-06T12:41:39.862-05:002011-04-06T12:41:39.862-05:00Absolutely, I make the decision to drive. Along wi...Absolutely, I make the decision to drive. Along with most others. Someone mentioned that people do walk...really? <br /><br />True the South Loop is a very large neighborhood. Three times the size of the Loop. But I am more focused on the South Loop south of Roosevelt(sorry for my prejudice)but this is where I live. I would consider the area north of Roosevelt in good shape... pedestrians, shops, nightlife, etc.<br /><br />South of Roosevelt is the newer developments and where we are lacking in transportation, nightlife, restaurants, shopping. One person walking by every five minutes is not foot traffic. I look out my window and see all these new high rises. Most of them well occupied and yet I see no-one walking around. If you go to the west loop or west town you will see what foot traffic for a newer area looks like. <br /><br />Like I said lets pick a project/topic and all rally around it. Im all for fundraising and etc.<br /><br />Yes, we should move the bash on wabash to printers row and call is something else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-28668975865681175132011-04-06T10:46:17.591-05:002011-04-06T10:46:17.591-05:00I agree that developments need to be more pedestri...I agree that developments need to be more pedestrian-friendly-- look at the Target on Roosevelt. The sidewalk on the Clark side is so narrow it's ridiculous. <br /><br />But I disagree that "nobody" walks in the South Loop. I've lived just west of Printer's Row for about 7 years without a car, and it's not only possible, it's preferable not to have a car. With car-sharing services like iGo I can use a car when I need it, and not have the hassles of maintenance, etc. And when I do walk to shop, there are always lots of other people on the sidewalk with me, carrying shopping bags or with carts.<br /><br />For those south of Roosevelt, this is more of an issue, especially if you get south of 14th Street or so. I originally lived at 21st and Wabash, from 2000-03, but moved further north when I realized development wasn't going to happen as fast as I wanted down there, and I definitely wanted to lose the car. <br /><br />What I don't understand is all the people I meet who say they hardly ever use their car-- then why own one?? Seems like a big waste of money to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-7541016445909115572011-04-06T10:44:29.008-05:002011-04-06T10:44:29.008-05:00Anon 9:46 AM, YOU are making the decision to drive...Anon 9:46 AM, YOU are making the decision to drive. I have a parking spot. I have a car. The places I go have places to park, but I make the decision not to drive. You can do the same. Just because the infrastructure supports it, doesn't mean you have to use it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-37372948913787594412011-04-06T10:31:06.486-05:002011-04-06T10:31:06.486-05:00Outside of the second comment there are no real &q...Outside of the second comment there are no real "master plan" ideas here. Sloopin should get a student competition going for a master plan at UIC and/or SAIC. Actual architects would charge for something like that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-27598762255822451022011-04-06T09:52:16.913-05:002011-04-06T09:52:16.913-05:00I would also suggest revisiting the green line el ...I would also suggest revisiting the green line el stop at 18th street. There is a serious lack of transportation in that part of the south loop which discourages folks from moving into those high rises further south.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-91755754893947116282011-04-06T09:46:03.034-05:002011-04-06T09:46:03.034-05:00A lot of these comments are petty and dont address...A lot of these comments are petty and dont address the issues. I really enjoy the south loop and have lived here for 4 years. But it is getting harder and harder to see the sustained growth. <br /><br />One of the big issues is that the south loop is new development. With the new development came making enough room for parking. Everyone is driving out of our neighborhood to shop/eat, etc. If I want to go to and Office Supplies store I have to drive to it. If I want to go to Target I drive there. Movies...drive. Shopping... Best Buy, Marshals, World Market...drive. <br /><br />Roosevelt Collection has planned for enough parking, so when/if retail ever moves in people will just drive there. <br /><br />These shopping complex's are not healthy for our neighborhood. By not creating foot traffic the coffee shops, ice cream parlors will not open and shouldn't open if they do their market analysis. Foot traffic is everything.<br /><br />Even Trader Joe's is investing millions into a parking structure, they know nobody walks in this neighborhood. <br /><br />Roosevelt Road needs to become more pedestrian friendly. Maybe elevated cross walks at Michigan and State. <br /><br />Lets get behind something and rally for it to happen. Lets become more active in the community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-77890210711547270462011-04-06T09:27:32.288-05:002011-04-06T09:27:32.288-05:00A plan adopted in 2004. It seems nice but who is i...A plan adopted in 2004. It seems nice but who is in charge of ensuring its implementation. Perhaps its time to revisit and revise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-33416681296317013232011-04-06T07:49:26.053-05:002011-04-06T07:49:26.053-05:00Mr. McClendon, while the Near South Community Plan...Mr. McClendon, while the Near South Community Plan is good if it were followed and put into an action plan, part of the problem is that organizations that you indicate like the Greater South Loop Association and Near South Planning Board have NOT adopted the plan as your posts indicates. <br /><br />Residents time and time again know that these organizations are fighting tooth an nail to do most things counter to the recommendations of the Near South Community Plan for personal gain and conflicts of interests when it is expedient. <br /><br />You won't find the Lincoln park plan telling residents that High Rises are the only way to density as these dolts continously harp on down here.<br /><br />At the same time the TIF money is available for many of the planned projects but responsible parties are dragging their feet to implement, and soon that money will be gone.Butler Bulldogsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-73782101908938823282011-04-06T07:34:14.162-05:002011-04-06T07:34:14.162-05:00I've lived in the South Loop since 2007 and I&...I've lived in the South Loop since 2007 and I've walked through most of the South Loop except Dearborn Park. Every time I walk to Target and endure the dreaded narrow Roosevelt sidewalk, I see a nice lush open green space below. I rather walk through that green space instead of walking amongst automobiles on Roosevelt. They need to open that place up. Yeah, I know, they walled themselves up to keep out the nasties of the 80's. Newsflash, it’s 2011 and even Central Station lets anyone walk on their sidewalks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-35272387600494322182011-04-06T00:04:03.641-05:002011-04-06T00:04:03.641-05:00"Otherwise, it just comes across as whining.&..."Otherwise, it just comes across as whining."<br /><br />Did you ever consider that prospective business investors/owners might look at this and other blogs like it to get a feel for what might work here in the Sloop? <br /><br />There's plenty of people that don't work in the daytime. But you probably wouldn't know that since you are at work. I don't work the traditional 9-5 and I see plenty of people out and about. It's just a matter of time, before we see more investment. In my opinion Trader Joe's is a great sign of things to come.SouthLoopScothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09404713567220059930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-25742376574754790932011-04-05T22:59:40.023-05:002011-04-05T22:59:40.023-05:00Hey Sloopin - maybe you could sponsor a South Loop...Hey Sloopin - maybe you could sponsor a South Loop Design Contest, gather local architects to submit their ideas for the empty rail yard land west of Clark. It could be a good buzz generator and unleash some idle architectural talent thats wasting away riding out the recession / depression.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-37977407351705307062011-04-05T20:31:58.201-05:002011-04-05T20:31:58.201-05:00The Near South Community Plan was adopted by the P...The <i>Near South Community Plan</i> was adopted by the Plan Commission in May 2004 after five years of work by South Loop Neighbors and Greater South Loop Association. <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/near_south_communityplan.html" rel="nofollow">It's online.</a>Dennis McClendonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-58832137673051946462011-04-05T15:02:34.437-05:002011-04-05T15:02:34.437-05:00It is nice to have "want" lists and to d...It is nice to have "want" lists and to dream. However, everyone forgets that Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park have been residential areas for far longer than the South Loop which was still mostly commercial and vacant commercial buildings until about 7 years ago. I have lived in the South Loop since 1990. Sometimes I miss the quiet, the easy parking and the fewer dogs of 1995. But that won't come back just like restaurants and retail won't come just because someone wishes for it. If you want a coffee shop, ice cream, or a gift shop, then take the risk and open one. Otherwise, it just comes across as whining. I expect that should you do such a study, what you would learn is that there just is not enough of a day time population in the south loop yet to support most such businesses. Even Target is not enough of a draw to pull other retail into Roosevelt Collection. Let's face it, we all work including many of the spouses. That is why there are several day care / pre-school businesses that seem to be thriving.Marinausernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-44016043427244753722011-04-05T13:23:35.698-05:002011-04-05T13:23:35.698-05:00oh and as for why people don't stay and spend ...oh and as for why people don't stay and spend more is because there is nothing to increase foot traffic. When I go out to dinner in Wicker Park or Bucktown, I can stroll right down to an interesting bar/night spot and peek into windows of interesting shops. In South loop there are interesting places, but everything is spread out such that on foot each place is a destination in itself and you aren't likely to go from south coast sushi up to wabash tap. You have to wade through blocks of emptiness. <br /><br />I do like the light idea. Well lit areas are more pedestrian friendly and generally safer for walking at night. We would just want to make sure that there was something unique during the day too. so that there is something for everyoneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-73309521341700135582011-04-05T12:04:35.984-05:002011-04-05T12:04:35.984-05:00Agree with Anon 11:15am. I live in the South end ...Agree with Anon 11:15am. I live in the South end of the South Loop, and we'll walk 8-10 blocks or more to go out to eat, and then after we're always like what now because there really aren't many options between there and home.<br /><br />I really want a beer garden South of Roosevelt. I would ask whatever happened with Flo and Santos taking over the lot next to them, but I don't really want a beer garden next to an eL track.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-74609372623074298752011-04-05T11:15:28.792-05:002011-04-05T11:15:28.792-05:00oh and as for why people don't stay and spend ...oh and as for why people don't stay and spend more is because there is nothing to increase foot traffic. When I go out to dinner in Wicker Park or Bucktown, I can stroll right down to an interesting bar/night spot and peek into windows of interesting shops. In South loop there are interesting places, but everything is spread out such that on foot each place is a destination in itself and you aren't likely to go from south coast sushi up to wabash tap. You have to wade through blocks of emptiness. <br /><br />I do like the light idea. Well lit areas are more pedestrian friendly and generally safer for walking at night. We would just want to make sure that there was something unique during the day too. so that there is something for everyoneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167519580792566980.post-45092686283539955302011-04-05T10:55:57.826-05:002011-04-05T10:55:57.826-05:00I would love to see the traffic slowed or limited ...I would love to see the traffic slowed or limited on Wabash. Its just too crazy around roosevelt and that stop sign at 13th for people to really enjoy walking and that's where the restaurants are right now. The creation of more bike lanes. <br /><br />We definitely need more retail, restaurants, and night life. I think the problem is our prices have remained too high and businesses can't move in. I cannot understand why a developer would prefer an empty storefronts to lower prices.<br /><br />I would love to see a bookstore further south. We need real shopping, which I was happy to see Marshalls move in but I'm still waiting for the Roosevelt collection to materialize. I would love to see a few more night spots materialize. <br /><br />As far as festivals or other events, i think we should build on our strengths and have them focus on art/music and other creative pursuits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com