Shots Around the Sloop: More Helicopters

(Hat tip: JH!)

Red Light Cameras Gone at State and Roosevelt?

On a recent drive through the intersection of Roosevelt and State, we noticed that the red light cameras appear to be gone. Is this permanent or temporary, we don't know. We've read that revenue from these red light tickets are drying up in the suburbs and as a result is causing some places to reconsider.


They've always been controversial and if you live in the neighborhood, you've probably been hit by one of these tickets before (we have!).

As far as we can tell, the camera at the Canal and Roosevelt intersection is still up and running, but we will keep our eyes open to see what transpires there.


(Hat tip: ND...or is it S?)

With a New Year Comes New Opportunities

Sloopers,

2011 is here and with a new year comes new opportunities. Sloopin had a great 2010, but we're out to make 2011 even better.

Before we talk about 2011, we want to say thank you to all our readers and contributors! Whether you simply come to the site to peruse or if you send us emails, pictures or videos, your support is appreciated and why we do what we do here at Sloopin.

With that said, we're aiming for a big 2011. Although we plan to stay true to our mission and continue to provide a place for people in the South Loop to interact and get information about the neighborhood, we're setting our ambitions higher. Here's the catch, we can't do everything alone.

If you have ideas for the blog send them our way (sloopin@gmail.com) and we will see what we can do. If you want to write, feel free to email us as well (sloopin@gmail.com). But the thing we're most excited about in 2011 is collaborating on a start-up project that centers around Sloopin. Although we can't divulge too much now, we can provide you with the inspiration behind the start-up, which is a poem from Chicago born, virtuoso Shel Silverstein:

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' 'bout the things
They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda done...
But all those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.

Ok, so that doesn't tell you much. But hopefully it's intriguing.

With that said, the main thing we're looking for right now is web experts. We have a job posting on Craigslist, but here is what we're looking for:

We are seeking talented individuals to work on a start-up venture in Chicago. Whether you consider yourself a Designer, Developer or Database Developer, you may have a fit with us. Our goal is to gather a team which will be building the customer facing web application, along with the database foundations for the internal business to run. We are seeking individuals with previous start-up experience. We are offering cash or equity, or a combination of both. Please indicate if you would consider an equity payment as an option for compensation.

High-level experience is required in one or more of the following areas: javascript, html, css, MS SQL, MySQL, PHP, ColdFusion, vb.NET.

Please include work samples if available and resume in email if interested. This is a contract position to start, possible full time opportunity to follow.

If you or anyone you know might be a fit, feel free to apply via our Craigslist posting or by sending work samples and resumes to sloopin@gmail.com.

Get ready Sloopers, 2011 is going to be great!

Job Well Done CTA!

Simply put...Job well done CTA!

If you're like us, over the years you've bashed the CTA for any number of issues. Whether it was stations that are falling apart or delays or breakdowns, it's usually not hard to find issues to complain about when it come to the CTA.

So when they do something well, you have to acknowledge it! Like the super helpful bus tracker that was rolled out in February of 2009 (see an old Sloopin post here), the new train tracker that rolled out recently is immensely helpful.

We tried it out on Monday and simply put...amazing. When I walked out of my condo, I checked the mobile app and saw a Green line train was due to arrive in 7 minutes at the Roosevelt stop. I knew a brisk walk would get me there in time. If there wasn't a train coming for 15 minutes, I probably would have taken the bus. This type of information helps me plan my trip on the go...so helpful.

Yes, there are bound to be small glitches and issues, but judging from our experiences over the first two days, again we say job well done CTA!

Have you used the website or mobile app? Is it working for you? Please let us know.

(Image from CTA Train Tracker)

Data Centers - A New Trend in the Sloop?

Yes, there is a lot of empty space in various parts of the South Loop these days. Whether it's high rises with little occupancy or vacant retail spaces, in many places around our neighborhood (and to be fair many other neighborhoods) it ain't pretty.

With all this space, it's been interesting to read about data centers moving into the area. Today we read about a new data center being built at 840 South Canal:

A real estate firm has purchased the Northern Trust building at 840 South Canal street in Chicago, and plans to spend $200 million to convert it into a data center. The former check processing plant in Chicago's south loop was purchased by the Red Sea Group late last month for $35 million from Northern Trust Corp.

It's an interesting trend as we remember reading last year that a new data center was being built at Cermak and Michigan. This is also close to another, older data center at 350 east Cermak that accordingly to this articleis the world's largest data center (see picture).

Most of these data centers are popping up to serve trading companies, which are increasingly relying on fast technology to get a competitive advantage for their business.

The question remains, is this good for our neighborhood? Most of the data centers seem to be popping up in relatively desolate areas (or at least what are currently desolate areas), so one could argue that functioning buildings are better then empty buildings or vacant lots. But it's not like these buildings provide much for the neighborhood in terms of employees eating at restaurants or shopping in the area.

We're mixed on the topic, so what do you think?

(Image from Data Center Knowledge)

In Search of People for a Neighborhood Produce Box

There has been some discussion on Sloopin in the past about fresh produce, but we recently received an email from a reader in search of people to help get a produce box drop point:

Hi Sloopy,

I'm writing to you because I was hoping that through your blog, I would be able to see how much interest there would be in getting a produce box drop off location in the south loop.

A produce box is a weekly collection of fruits and vegetables that comes from local farms that changes weekly. Normally you pick them up from a store or have them delivered to your house for an extra fee. I spoke with the people up at New Leaf in Rogers Park whom I used to get the produce box from while living in that part of the city. They told me that if they had 5 consistent customers in the area and we can find a central location for a drop off point, which I was hoping could be South Loop Market or Panozzos, participants would not have to pay the delivery charge that is
normally associated with this part of this part of the city. Here is a link of an example of what normally comes in New Leafs produce box. These boxes are a great deal for the money and considering how busy (and expensive) whole foods is, I'm sure that people in the hood would be interested. Let me know what you think.

Also, I really feel like a running store would kill in the South Loop with all the runners in the area and the proximity to the lake. What can we do to make a Fleet Feet or Universal Sole take a look down here? Let me know, as I would be more than happy to help.

The produce box is an interesting idea, so are any Sloopsters interested? Chime in.

In regard to the readers second point, we couldn't agree more about a running store. We've had some success when people from the blog reach out via email to the companies of interest. With that said, here is a link to Fleet Feet Corporate or here is there email address: info@fleetfeet.com. Again, have at it and let them know you want a running store.

Judging by how many people are out and about running (at least when it's a little warmer), it seems like a great fit.

(Hat Tip: JF!)

Good Year, Looking Forward to 2011

Velvet Lounge Currently Closed; Musicians Go Elsewhere

As a fan of music it saddened us to hear of Fred Andersons passing last year. If you're not familiar with the Jazz scene, he was one of the most influential people around. Fred's passion and talent was realized at his Velvet Lounge at 67 E. Cermak (between Wabash and Michigan).



Unfortunately, the fate of the Velvet Lounge is still TBD according to a Chicago Tribune article we just read:

Anderson had presided over his landmark Velvet Lounge, at 67 E. Cermak Rd., until his death last June, at age 81. His granddaughters kept the club running for several months, but his sons Eugene and Michael Anderson took the reins in late November and promptly closed the place. They have said they'll reopen the Velvet, but it remains dark.

An Anderson family spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The club was unique in Chicago – and perhaps the jazz world, itself – in that it functioned almost as a cooperative. Many musicians and service staff volunteered their time to nurture Anderson's vision of a room where artists could pursue experimental ideas not welcome in more conventional jazz clubs. Anderson's stature as tenor saxophonist drew top names from across Chicago and around the world to the Velvet, not only on Cermak Road but in the club's previous location, at 2128-1/2 S. Indiana Ave.

After Anderson's death, many observers wondered how long the unusual
business arrangement could last without its founder. Anderson himself helped
underwrite the club, applying some of his earnings from foreign tours to pay the
bills.

We will eagerly wait and see what happens with the place. In the meantime:

A consortium of Chicago jazz musicians long associated with the Velvet Lounge, which was shuttered on Dec. 1, is setting up shop a few blocks away.

The artists will launch their new venture Jan. 21 at the L26 Restaurant and Lounge in the Chicago South Loop Hotel, 11 W. 26th St. That's at the bustling corner of 26th and State Streets, four blocks south of the late Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson's iconic Velvet Lounge.

First thing that comes to mind is whether or not the South Loop Hotel is really in the South Loop, but that's another topic for another day. Regardless, hope it works out for them.

(Image from Jazzology Blog)

Free Admission Week at Shedd Starting on Jan 16th

We live close to amazing cultural attractions and it's always nice when you can go for free:

One of the Midwest's top cultural attractions is kicking off the new year with a
week of free general admission.

The Shedd Aquarium is offering the deal starting Sunday Jan. 16, through Friday Jan. 21.The free week is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund.

Also at Shedd, starting next week Mondays and Tuesdays in January will be community discount/free general admission days. That means no cost for original galleries and discounts on all other exhibits.

Nice work Ford, this is the type of advertising and marketing we love.

Not sure if you have to pay for the dolphin show, but regardless it's fun to watch either live or on Youtube:

A Real Estate Sales Person Chimes in on Lexinton Park

Brita Rivera, a VP of Sales who used to work at Lexington Park, provides some first hand thoughts on the current state of Lexington Park (Northeast corner of Michigan and Cermak) on her blog:

I’m not sure why it has taken so long for them (Starwood)to decide what direction to take Lexington Park, but can only assume the delay is due to the incredible breaks they received in the transaction. Purchasing it for a fraction of the cost, with a no interest loan and a huge cash infusion, probably offers them little reason to move quickly. Only time will tell what will happen at Lexington Park, but I sure hope they move soon, as the vacant building with no lights, is an eyesore to the south loop.

Who knows what the current state is, but it truly is a shame. Most people on the blog seem to think Cermak eventually will be one of Chicago's great East-West streets (including us), but there is some debate about how soon this might happen.

In my mind, if people ever move into this building it will help this corridor out a ton. Although there is some foot traffic it's pretty sparse, it's mostly people driving. But if people lived here it would probably provide a step in the right direction.

The other major development that could help this stretch is the proposed Green line stop at Cermak. It's been over a year since we last heard about that though...

CTA Train Tracker Coming in January

Just in case you missed this, some amazing news from the CTA:

Chicago Transit Authority President Richard L. Rodriguez today announced that a pilot version of the highly anticipated CTA Train Tracker will be launched in early January via a dedicated website. Customers using desktop computers or mobile web-enabled devices, such as iPhones, BlackeBerries or smartphones, will be able to access estimated arrival times for trains on all eight rail lines.

"Following the popularity of Bus Tracker, the CTA has been developing a similar tool for riders to get estimated arrival times for trains," said Rodriguez. "We are just as eager as our customers for this pilot program to launch so that our rail customers have the information they need to better plan their trips and make their experience on the CTA even more convenient and reliable."

This is great news. We're huge fans of the CTA's Bus Tracker and anything that is remotely similar is an improvement in our mind. However the CTA did warn that this is a "Beta" version and probably won't be as accurate initially as the Bus Tracker.

For those of you who are really interested in the technology read this interesting post on the CTA Tattler.

Anything is better then the system we have now (which is looking down the tracks to see if a train is coming)!

(Image From: Transitchicago.com)

Shots Around the Sloop: Not the Place to Park

Hopefully everyone was ok, but regardless an interesting place to leave a car:

(Hat Tip: AR!)

Another Condo Building Goes Rental

In our first real post of 2011, it seems fitting that a real estate story starts off the year. This past Thursday, Crain's Chicago reported that a Miami Developer bought 200 units at Astoria Tower (Northeast corner of State and 9th):

A Miami developer has purchased more than 200 unsold units in a South Loop tower, a deal that chips away at the glut of new condos for sale in the beleaguered neighborhood. Crescent Heights Inc. last week paid roughly $45 million for 205 units, or about 83% of the 248-unit Astoria Tower.

Although some might see this as a bad thing, the article puts an interesting spin on this:

The shift to apartments could help other condo projects in the South Loop, which have been competing over a seemingly dwindling supply of prospective buyers.
“This deal gets (condo) inventory off the market and puts bodies in the units,” says Chris Huecksteadt, a local director at Metrostudy, a Houston-based housing market research and consulting firm.

Sure, having bodies in units is a good thing, but it will be interesting to see if this really alters the market. People are optimistic that the economy is going to get better in the new year, but who knows about the real estate market.

We will be watching with eager eyes!

(Hat Tip: ND and AV!)

Wishing You a Happy and Healthy 2011

Happy New Year! Enjoy this silly video from ABBA: