Congrats to Waffles on Their Impending Expansion Up North

We've written about our favorable feelings towards Waffles and apparently business is good enough to expand up North.  Eater Chicago expounds:

Last May, Waffles owner Alex Hernandez told Eater he was looking to open a second location of his popular South Loop spot and he's finally found a location. The first two spaces he found fell through, but now he is planning on opening another Waffles at 3617 N. Broadway on Nov. 15. 

Hernandez said the space, which used to be Signature Pizza, is currently in the demolition stage and they're going to start the new build-out for what will be a 120-seat restaurant that will include an attached all-day 20-seat cafe. That will have a full coffee bar with Intelligentsia Coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes and more. The coffeeshop will also have a separate entrance and be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Hernandez said they're still coming up with a name for the cafe. 

Waffles on the North Side will be larger than the current location at 1400 S. Michigan. Hernandez said that while guests like the modern feel, many think the space is a little cold. For the new restaurant, they're going to add more color and warm woods to brighten it up.

The post goes on to talk about some tweaks to the menu.

This is a good trend if you ask us.  Waffles will join, Flaco's Tacos, Yolk and Epic Burger that started in the Sloop and expanded throughout the city.  Are we missing any others?

Help Local Students in the Sloop Name New Shedd Dolphin

It's not everyday that a neighbor let's you name one of the their kin.  Well some local students are getting that chance and need your help to achieve their goal.  An employee from the Shedd writes:

Students from two local schools – South Loop Elementary School and John C. Haines Elementary School – have the unique opportunity to help Shedd Aquarium name its new Pacific white-sided dolphin calf. Shedd is currently hosting an online voting contest allowing the public to select a name for the male calf from among five options. Additionally, each of the names are being represented by a Chicago-area elementary school. Students from each school will serve as ambassadors for their name, writing essays, creating visual elements and conducting research to help persuade online voters to pick their name. The winning class will receive a day at Shedd which will give them the opportunity to learn more about the calf, his mother and Pacific white-sided dolphins directly from Shedd’s animal care staff. All students from each of the participating classes will receive a poster featuring the dolphin calf.

The students from South Loop Elementary are representing the name Kusook (COO-sook) which means “play”. The students from Haines are representing the name Kisaani (kihs-AH-nee) which means “boy”.

The contest runs through Oct. 11 and additional information about the names and participating schools can be found in this news release.

So here is the link to vote.

For more info here is a link to the press release and here is a video from NBC5:

(Hat tip: BK!)

Crain's Looks at Downtown Condo Collapse

Crain's is taking a look at the broad downtown real estate crash and it's probably not going to surprise you much.  If you were around back then, you probably know the story.  Regardless, it's good to hear some of the stats and especially hear/read how the Sloop was affected.  Here is a video summarizing the piece (from Chicagobusiness.com):

The article is pretty good as well and they also have a nifty interactive map that lets you map over all of the downtown developments to see their status.

And also, here is an excerpt from the article talking about the Sloop:

SOUTH LOOP SWOON Of the 129 downtown condo projects on the market five years ago, 53, or 41.1 percent, have run afoul of their lenders. The greatest concentration of distress has been in the South Loop, widely recognized as the city's most overbuilt neighborhood. Twenty-six of 44 South Loop projects, or 59.1 percent, have been financially troubled at some point in the past five years. That includes three condo towers in the Central Station development taken over recently by a group of lenders and New York-based developer Related Cos.

The good news is that the market, though far from healthy, is in the early stages of recovery. Condo sales in the city are rising again, and developers have chipped away at the glut of unsold units in recent years, either by slashing prices or renting them. In 25 buildings being marketed in 2007—19.4 percent of the total—all or some units have been rented rather than sold, according to Crain's analysis. 

Anyone have thoughts?  While the South Loop seemed to epitomize the boom and bust of the housing crash, the neighborhood in general still seems positioned for strong growth over the long term in our opinion (obviously we're a tad biased).

Karamela Cafe...Finally Open

We've spent a lot of time sifting through information on Karamela Cafe (1250 S. Michigan) lately.  At first we heard the owners walked away.  Then we heard they were opening a couple weeks ago.

Well enough of the speculation.

They're open.  We saw it with our own eyes.

Has anyone been?  We are looking forward to trying it out.

Business counter is updated.

(Hat tip: DJ!)

The History of 830 S. Michigan

Image from Architecture Chicago Plus

Remember this blue YWCA building at 830 S. Michigan which was demolished in 2010?  Well the Architecture Chicago Plus blog has a great and detailed post about the history of this spot.  A very interesting read of the current predicament at this location:

So now we come to what 830 is today: nothing. An empty lot. A raw abscess in the landmark Michigan Avenue street wall. It's testimony to how fragile Chicago's protection of its landmarks can be. The only positive legacy of 830's sad tale is the void it's left behind, an accusatory scar demanding we not waste this last opportunity along the civic showcase that is Michigan Avenue with anything less than the best.

They also have this great picture from the Aeroplane hotel which used to be at this location in 1929:

courtesy, Chuckman's Collection

Good stuff!

Shots Around the Sloop: South Side Panoramic

(Hat tip: AB!)

This Week on the Sloopin Message Board (w/o 10/1)...

Some good stuff this week..thanks for the dialogue:

What was that Big Boom heard on 10/3/12 at10:40pm? 
Nail salons - what is the best in the Sloop?
New restaurant near Roosevelt Red Line
Notre Dame playing at Soldier Field Sat - area will be busy. 
What is with the god awful club music at all hours at 15th and State?
$65 Million in projects for our hood
Action in empty lot on Roosevelt between Michigan and Indiana

Ideas for Old Michael Reese Campus Floated Around Again

Image of Old Michael Reese Hospital Grounds from Chicago Reader

Remember when we covered everything to do with Chicago's Olympic Bid?  Man those were some interesting times and posts.

Well a lingering one continues to give us material.  Chicago Real Estate Daily had a recent story about concepts for the large, vacant former Michael Reese Hospital site (just South of the Sloop):  

The former Michael Reese Hospital site on the South Side is blank slate, but planners and residents took an initial stab at figuring out how to fill it at a meeting Monday evening. 

Suggestions for the 37-acre property on South Lake Shore Drive included building an Obama Presidential Library, transforming it into a technology park and using it for a casino. 

The pressure is on the city of Chicago to do something with the site before October 2014, when the city must starting paying down a $91 million loan on the property, which the Daley administration had wanted to use for the 2016 Olympic Village. Earlier this year, the City Council refinanced the property in a deal with Medline Industries Inc., the Mundelein-based hospital supplier that provided the loan and sold the property to the city.

Interesting stuff.  Still not sure what would be best for the Sloop, but it will be fascinating to see what happens with this space.  The idea of the Obama library is interesting to us.  However, we can think of many other places where we think it would be better placed.

Ringing Bells in the Morning? It's Chicago Marathon Weekend!

If you're like us you're going to wake up Sunday morning to fans screaming words of encouragement and the constant high pitched dinging of bells.

The only thing that can mean is that the Chicago Marathon is underway and finishing up through the Sloop.  While it's a little disheartening for us since we're never going to be able to accomplish something like a marathon, it is interesting (and in some cases inspiring) to see the runners on the final stretch of a grueling athletic competition.

For those of you who could care less about the event and just want to know how it might affect you, here are the street closures and times for the event this Sunday, October 7th:

Michigan Avenue: 35th St. to Roosevelt Rd.  closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Roosevelt Road: Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive closed from 7 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
Columbus Drive: Roosevelt Road to Finish closed from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

One other big event to call out this weekend as well is the Notre Dame versus Miami college football game at Soldier Field on Saturday, 10/6 at 6:30pm.  It's being dubbed the Shamrock series which makes us think this may become a reoccurring event.

Regardless, while we're used to football games this time of the year, just want to prepare some of you that this Saturday will most likely be like a Sunday in the Sloop...for better or worse.

What's that New Building Next to the Roosevelt Stop?

A reader asks:

I know the CTA is renovating parts of the Roosevelt stop, but any clue what that narrow building is next to the North entrance of the stop?  See picture.

We asked around and didn't get any good information (including CTA workers who looked at me like i'm an idiot).  Anyone have any insight on what this is?

Seems like a good spot for a Starbucks competitor.

UPDATE:  On the Sloopin message board its been said it will be a Jersey Mike's

(Hat tip: SR!)

DePaul Basketball Near McCormick Place?

Man-o-man...the ideas continue to fly around this week as various people talk about ideas to bolster Motor Row and the area around McCormick Place (see our post from Monday).

Image from Chicago Business

Recently Greg Hinz from Chicago Business reported that:

DePaul University is talking about moving its basketball games to a new facility that would be built for it near McCormick Place, in a deal being pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. 

That's what I hear from multiple inside sources, as discussions continue about DePaul's desire to return Blue Demons games to the city from where they're now played, in Rosemont — past O'Hare Airport, and many miles from the school's main Lincoln Park Campus.

Other places have been discussed in Lincoln Park as well as the United Center according to the article.

Not sure how I feel about this one.  While yes, it would mean more people in the area, is it really the type of thing that will help build up Motor Row?  I could see it being a fit if it was closer to the DePaul campus, but it clearly isn't (maybe more so then Rosemont I guess).

On the other hand, for the area to take off it seems like more stuff has to open.  Whether that's restaurants, music venues, shops, or sports arenas something has to change.  Maybe this is it.

What are your thoughts on this one?

This Weeks S. Michigan Surprise? New Chef at City Tavern

Image from City Tavern's Facebook Page

So we've spent a lot of time gushing over the recent restaurant/bar additions to South Michigan.  All in all we've been pleasantly surprised across the board.  But apparently some people haven't.  Turmoil and drama continue to fester on one of Chicago's most prominent streets.

Last week it was Alain's (1355 S. Michigan) reportedly being evicted and then potentially reopening this week (which as far as we could tell was not open yesterday).  We also heard conflicting stories about Karamella Cafe (1250 S. Michigan) owners leaving completely...and then of them opening on Friday, 9/28 (FYI - that didn't happen).

This weeks surprise?  Kendall Duque is apparently no longer with Mainstay Hospitality (owners of the Chicago Firehouse and City Tavern) according to Eater Chicago.  Chef Duque has been with the company for awhile and as far as we could tell had a solid run.  Given City Tavern's recent opening and solid reviews, you would think everyone would be happy.  Maybe they were?  Maybe it was time for a change?

Image from Eater Chicago

Regardless, Jackie Shen (previously of Red Light, Chicago Cut) has taken over responsibilities at City Tavern (1416 S. Michigan).  From the sounds of it Jackie has been bouncing around the Chicago dining scene quite a bit recently.

She has the credentials and clearly the experience to carry on and (dare we say) improve on the original concept.  We've had a couple meals at City Tavern thus far and were encouraged.  Some were mediocre (walleye pike with pea tendrils, artichokes, wild mushrooms and cashew vinaigrette) and some were simply amazing (wild salmon with asparagus, lump crab and blood orange bearnaise).  Should be interesting to see what stays and what goes.

And if that's not enough, Eater Chicago is also providing some additional juicy info about Mainstay Hospitality:

Also joining the team as chef/partner is John Caputo (Bin 36) where he will oversee operations at Chicago Firehouse until an executive chef is found. He's been brought in to cover until he takes his official post at a yet unnamed concept for Mainstay. Stayed tuned for more on the Shen shuffle.

Unnamed concept?  Let the rumors begin.  Last we heard was that the once rumored Mainstay Hospitality Italian restaurant is back on the table and coming to the empty building just South of City Tavern.  We heard that it could open sometime in the summer of 2013.  Or maybe this concept is for something in Motor Row, where according to the Chicago Tribune, Mathew O'Malley (owner of Mainstay Hospitality) has been sniffing around for other opportunities.    

So stay tuned and don't blink.  Just like the weather things can change in a second around here.

(Hat tip: MCT!)

Villains Bar & Grill Closes; Toppers Pizza Opening on State

It appears to be true (sigh) that Villains Bar & Grill has served its last pint and burger at 649 S. Clark.  We've spent many nights at Villains and were truly sad to hear this news.  One of our favorite times ever watching a Blackhawks game happened at Villains (Kaner's Hat Trick in 2009 against the hated Vancouver Cannucks).  From their facebook page:

After five years of serving our wonderful patrons the best craft beer we could get our hands on , we pour our last drink tonight . We would like to thank all of you who enjoyed your Villains experience . So this evening plenty of drink specials to give us a proper send off . Also a big f**k you to Jos. Cacciatore & Co our current landloard for making it impossible for us to stay in our location.

Well apparently they didn't like their landlord.  From what we've been told, Villains is looking at various locations in the South Loop and outside of the neighborhood.  We wish them the best and hope they stay in the Sloop.  They have a great place in our heart and will truly be missed.

In other South Loop retail news, it appears that Toppers Pizza (2 East. 8th Street) is moving in on State Street (next to Ace Hardware).  We wrote about this back in Mid-September but weren't sure what it would be.  However, how many Pizza places are too many?  This puts three pizza places all within essentially one block of each other on the same street.

We've never had Toppers, but are always interested in trying some new pie.  Does anyone have an opinion on this place?

(Hat tip: R, JK, DJ!)

Mayor Emmanuel Touts $65 Million Worth of Improvements to the Sloop

Image from Chicago Sun-Times

Every so often we hear whispers of incremental improvements to the neighborhood.  Whether it's street beautification or new lights or improvements to a park or improvements to a CTA stations, slowly but surely things improve for our neighborhood.

Well this past Friday, Mayor Emmaunel, Alderman Fioretti, Alderman Dowell and others gathered at Weather Mark Tavern to announce various improvements that are coming to the broader South Loop area.  We're not going to go through every single thing since most of them have already been announced, but if you're looking for a good summary of everything we highly suggest reading the entire article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Instead, we're going to highlight some new things (or at least things we don't remember).

Image from Chicago Sun-Times

First, some new renderings of the new green line station at Cermak were unveiled (see pic on the right).  The station looks pretty interesting, different and modern if you ask us.  It was also announced that the station is going to be called "Cermak/McCormick Place" which makes sense since we've been told one of the big reasons for this station was to serve McCormick Place.

Second, it was announced that the South End of Grant Park is going to get some remodeling (according to the Chicago Journal's recap):

Another $3 million has been allocated to southward expansion of Grant Park. According to the map provided by the City of Chicago, the extension would fill in the vacant site west of the 11th/Museum Campus Metra station.

This is what we're most excited about.  We were happy about them knocking down the old dilapidated station there, but it seems like this space was ripe for a makeover.  Hopefully it will be nice.  We shall see.

Finally (and unsurprisingly) there was some more talk about Motor Row.  We love the idea of this area becoming something that serves the city and area better, but frankly we're exhausted by all of the talk and from what we can tell lack of action.  We hear about how the city wants to develop this area, but what gives...why can't this happen?

The Chicago Tribune (free digital membership required) has a story that summarizes some of the new talk about Motor Row.  Most of it isn't new stuff (like Cheap Trick Venue, Hotels, Restaurants, Broad Shoulders Brewery, Music Studios, etc) but it seems like this is stuff we've been hearing about for awhile.  I guess Rome wasn't built in a day and apparently Motor Row won't be either.

For more info about Motor Row the blog Chicagoist also weighs in here.

Anyway, this is an encouraging post for us at Sloopin.  It's always good to hear that city officials (mainly the mayor) have decided to invest in our neighborhood.  Not only will we see some improvements, but it's also positive coverage that is disseminated throughout the city and region.

What do you think about this stuff?