How to Enjoy the Snow in the Sloop

Sledding Hill at Soldier Field (Image from Curbed Chicago)

With our first snow fall supposedly coming today, it seems like it's timely to link to a recent post we read on Curbed Chicago about where to go sledding in Chicago.  They also have a handy dandy map of Chicago sledding hot spots.

For us Sloopers the go-to spot is the sledding hill by Soldier Field.  Curbed gives us the story:

There's not much to say to improve upon sledding as activity, but if you don't know where to look in this town you'll rarely see it performed. There are a number of satisfactory elevations dispersed throughout Chicago's neighborhood parks— mostly man-made amenities and registering as little more than mole hills beyond the Prairie. But we make the most of it. Favorites include the Soldier Field (North Burnham Park) hill, a feature of whimsical landscape design.

Enjoy the snow (assuming Tom Skilling is right)...before it becomes nasty city slush!

Adios Chicago Journal -- You Will Be Missed!

The Chicago Journal, our local weekly newspaper and website focused mainly on the South Loop and West Loop, is closing up shop.  And for that we are sad.  Their articles and content were a weekly fixture that we came to love and rely on (especially since it came out midweek -- and helped push us over the "hump" and monotony of the work week).  They're having a party this evening at Donna's Cafe (1255 S. State) from 7-9pm.

On a personal level, before we moved to the South Loop, we relied on the Chicago Journal to help us gather information and get a better understanding of the neighborhood.  For that we're forever indebted.

Here at Sloopin this news is complicated.  Sloopin was mainly dreamt up as a blog focusing on everything and anything to do with the South Loop.  At it's inception we weren't sure what it would grow into or what it would ultimately be, but we wanted it to be a resource for the neighborhood -- for good and bad.  

The idea mainly came because we wanted more information -- on a more timely basis -- and more consistently.  While the Chicago Journal was the best resource for the neighborhood (in our opinion), it was still lacking in those key areas.  Couple that with the power and relative ease of digital technology and Sloopin was born on September 22nd, 2008.

At the start of Sloopin, traffic was pretty much nonexistent and it felt more like an experiment.  But we enjoyed the process, we enjoyed the neighborhood and kept pushing on.  Slowly but surely we gathered steam and Sloopin began to grow.  While we relied on a variety of content sources ranging from our own stories, to reader emails/comments, to other publishers (including Chicago Tribune, Crain's, Sun-Times and yes the Chicago Journal) producing Sloopin was hard work.  

While we're not sure if our growth or presence caused the Chicago Journal to realize that they needed to evolve their digital presence, they did.  The major change was the addition of bloggers.  Micah Maidenberg's Near Loop Wire launched on May 5th, 2009 along with neighborhood stalwart Bonnie McGrath's blog, South Loop Observer.  There was also a short lived Sidewalk Observer blog by Blagica Bottigleiro which launch on May 2nd, 2010.  All three blogs added additional voices and information to the neighborhood, which seemed like a good thing to us (we even shared some links back and forth).     

But the recent news on the closing is a reality many publishers are facing (including us at Sloopin).  How to make ends meet with new technologies constantly disrupting older business models.  You will see it at our hyper-local level as well as at some of the most prestigious and biggest news organizations around the world.  

How to operate a news organization in the new digital reality is a perplexing question.  There are many varying opinions on the best way forward.  The reality is that the nut hasn't been cracked yet.  It will slowly play out and hopefully take us to a better place.

Here at Sloopin we're an extremely lean operation.  We don't have enough revenue to make this a full time job for anyone.  We simply produce Sloopin because we love the South Loop.  We don't have the bells and whistles of a typical news organization and frankly we don't have a traditional journalistic background.  Hopefully you forgive us for our spelling errors, grammatical errors and whatever else we do wrong.  We've received a mix of praise, ambivalence and hate -- honestly we love it all!

But back to the main topic of this post.  The Chicago Journal is closing and with that our neighborhood will no doubt be missing something.  They did a solid job covering topics pertaining to our neighborhood and for that we applaud the entire team.  Thanks for all your hard work and for all you did to make the Sloop a better place!

Finally, with all of this said we're curious to hear your thoughts.  How do you like Sloopin?  How can we fill the gap left by Chicago Journal?  What do we do well and where can we improve?  Any new ideas or improvements you would suggest?

As always, we will do our best to evolve Sloopin.  Thanks for all your support, comments, pictures and stories.  Without you it wouldn't be possible!

Crescent Heights Buys High-Profile Land in the Sloop

Crescent Heights, a Miami based developer, continues to buy up space in the Sloop.  This time, they've made another big splash buying some of the most valuable land in the neighborhood (and maybe the city) at the Southeast corner of Roosevelt and Michigan (via Chicagorealestatedaily.com):

A venture of Crescent Heights earlier this month bought a two-acre site at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road, as well as a one-acre property close to 13th Street and Indiana Avenue, according to a statement from the company.

Right now, these empty lots are an eye sore.  But anyone can see the potential value.  The views from a building on this land would be absolutely breathtaking.

Old renderings for towers at Roosevelt and Michigan/Indiana

From an outsiders standpoint, this seems like a good business decision for Crescent as well.  Besides buying unsold units in Astoria Tower (8 East 9th Street), they also bought 1212 S. Michigan.  1212 sits across the street from this new land they just acquired.  So one can assume, any new building would try to protect sight lines.  Or at a minimum, if they're going to block their own building at least they're the ones who will be benefiting from the new development.

As you may recall, at one point there were some pretty sexy renderings floating around (picture to the right).  We can only assume those are dead, but according to the article:

The firm could build up to 1,200 residential units, 1,500 hotel rooms or 325,000 square feet of office or retail space on the parcel, in a building as tall as 70 stories.

We will keep an eye out for future plans.  The least they could do is maybe clean the empty lot up a little.

Finally, what's the deal with them buying an acre near 13th and Indiana?  Is that the land that housed the sales office for One Museum Park?

(Hat tip: E & MH!)

E. Harrison Street is Apparently a Hot Bed for Men's Haircuts

Construction underway at Floyd's Barbershop at 27 E. Harrison Street

East Harrison Street apparently should be called East HAIR-ison Street!  Wow we're painfully clever.

Anyway, it appears that Floyd's 99 Barbershop is progressing pretty well at it's 27 E. Harrison street address judging by the picture above.  We posted about this news back in September and upon further research we recently found that they plan to open in January 2013 according to their website.

In other male hair news, Sports Clips is looking for a manager and stylists according to Craigslist.  Sports Clips is supposed to be going in just down the street at 10 E. Harrison.  We heard about this spot back in August and honestly haven't seen any progress or signage.  However, the craigslist posting makes it seem like it's still coming.

So there you have it men.  Two new places for your to get your hair cut.  It's a pretty simple proposition.  If you like music you go to Floyd's.  If you like sports you go to Sports Clips.  

What's next?  A barber shop with a video game theme?  Sounds like the next great business idea!

Hoorah for Kurah?

It seems like yesterday that Alain's (1355 S. Michigan) suddenly closed on us.  Well that was in late October and now we're hearing and seeing that Kurah, a Mediterranean bar and grill might be opening up at this spot.

The news came from our message board and recently a poster noted that a liquor license on the city of Chicago website has been granted to:

Legal Name

Doing Business As

Address

License Applied for

Date of Payment

Jadamo Corp.

Kurah

1355 S Michigan Ave , Floor:1

Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity

12/05/2012

So there you have it, something new appears to be coming to the Northeast corner of 14th and Michigan.  If it is indeed some Mediterranean we will be happy.  Diverse options are what our neighborhood needs and falafel sounds really good right now!

Does anyone have additional information or thoughts on a Mediterranean place coming to this corner?

(Hat tip: Local Lady, MarkChicago, Blarger!)

Shots Around the Sloop: Curve

(Hat tip: JN!)

British School of Chicago Wants to Move Forward Just North of Roosevelt Collection Space

We've got some new news on Roosevelt Collection and today it's in regard to the land just North of the current building.  As you may recall, in July we posted about an article stating that the British School of Chicago was interested in building a new school just North of Roosevelt Collection.  Problem is that this was supposed to be a public park built by the owners of Roosevelt Collection and eventually turned over to the Chicago Park District.

Yesterday, Chicagorealestatedaily.com provided the latest on the subject:

Developer Dan McCaffery has asked the city to approve a plan to build a new South Loop campus for the British School of Chicago, even without the buy-in of the neighborhood's alderman. 

The developer and school, which has outgrown its Lincoln Park campus, are seeking a zoning change for a nearly 80,000-square-foot building, including an auditorium and gymnasium, within the Roosevelt Collection, a mixed-use project at Roosevelt Road and Wells Street. But Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd) said they have not sought enough community input to gain his blessing. 

“They filed at their own peril, because they haven't done any of the things they've been asked to do the past several months,” Mr. Fioretti said. “They have to go out to the community instead of shoving this down the community's throat.”

First of all, the second paragraph in this blurb is a little misleading (we think).  While it says, "within Roosevelt Collection" we assume they mean it will be built just North of Roosevelt Collection and not within the vacant retail space.  We're assuming this.

Second, the point of debate is about the park.  It sounds like instead of having a park at street level, there may be a public park on the roof?!?!?

One of the biggest sticking points could be a 42,830-square-foot park on the building's roof. Mr. Fioretti said the original Roosevelt Collection plan called for the school space to be a park. He is unsure the community will support green space atop a roof instead.  

“I may be in favor of the school, but you've got to go out to the community, and they haven't done that,” Mr. Fioretti said. “Our green space downtown is very limited. The people in that area approved the (original planned development) because there was going to be a park. They have to convince the park district and the community that it's OK to put a park on top of a school.  

“I want to know what kind of access there will be, and how community use will be regulated.”

Sounds strange, but potentially interesting.  I guess we need more information before we can form an opinion.  Hopefully that information comes out soon.

What do you think?

Dearborn Bike Lane Opens Today!

Graphic on spacing for Dearborn (via Chicago Tribune)

Bikers rejoice -- there is a new way to navigate the busy streets of the Loop!  The bike lane on Dearborn from Polk to Kinzie opens today according to a solid article in the Tribune:

Chicago's campaign to broker an orderly coexistence, if not complete harmony, among motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians will begin to face its biggest test so far Friday. 

That's when two-way protected bike lanes — outfitted with traffic signals for bike riders to obey — will open in the heart of the central business district, on Dearborn Street between Kinzie and Polk streets, the Chicago Department of Transportation said.

The $450,000 project covering about 12 blocks is a high-profile component of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's plan to make Chicago one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and to socially re-engineer how city dwellers choose to commute to work or just get around in a heavily congested urban area. 

There was a lot of talk about this lane and it seemed to drag on a little, but when they finally put paint to asphalt it actually happened pretty quickly. It was just late November when they striped the road and now two weeks later it's about to be functional.  Just in time for the heart of the winter!

Anyway, as Dennis McClendon noted on our message board, if you want to witness the pomp and circumstance that comes with a civic improvement there is an official ceremony at 1pm today.

Happy (and hopefully safer) riding!

Having a Great Night in the Sloop?

A reader sends us this gem from the Chicago tumblr account #SOYEAHDUH:

When I have a great night in the South Loop

I’m all like,

If you haven't checked out the site, it's a good read for a Friday!

(Hat tip: KM!)

Next Star Vodka Tasting Event at Jimmy Green's this Friday

Sponsored Post

Friends of Sloopin!

If you're looking for something fun to do this Friday (12/14), NEXT STAR VODKA will be hosting a tasting event in the new party room at Jimmy Green's (825 S. State) from 7 to 9pm.  The event will feature NEXT STAR drinks for your tasting pleasure:

• Next Star Martini
• Chicago Mule (Next Star Vodka, Ginger Beer and Lime)
• Next Star Blue (Next Star Vodka with a dash of blueberry jam and lime)

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to overwhelming response the list is now full for this event.  If you would like to receive additional information about future events please like NEXT STAR VODKA on Facebook or follow @nextstarvodka on Twitter.

This is a private event with limited space, so the only way to attend is if you rsvp at jimmygreensrsvp@nextstarvodka.com and receive a return email confirming that you're on the list (since we're expecting to be at capacity).

Bureau Bar Applies for Liquor License at Old Three Peas Art Lounge (75 E. 16th)

We received a couple emails from readers about a potential new bar coming to 16th street:

Hi, 

I got a public notice from the City Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Local Liquor Control Commission, that an applicant, "Bureau Bar LLC," located at 75 E. 16th St. appplied for a liquor license on 12/5/12. This is the old Three Peas Art Lounge space.  Do you have any other info on this? 

Thanks!

Last we heard was this in January 2012:

via southloopconnection

Not sure if this is associated with Three Peas, but regardless it would be good to have another option around this area.  Anyone have any info?

(Hat tip:  ALS & EM!)

Wabash Dog Park featuring Fred Anderson?

When you name a park after someone, you would think their life's passion would be the central theme of the park.  We thought Fred Anderson was known for Jazz and his legendary Velvet Lounge at 67 East Cermak.

A reader recently sent us a link to a post on the website of the South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative about the final design for the Fred Anderson Park.  Naturally, they primarily look at the dog portion of the park.  For those interested in the final plans take a look below:

While we love dogs and it looks like a nice park, we were surprised to see these designs.  While it's hard to see, between the small dog area (just under the "b" line slightly left of center) and the large dog area (stretching from the bottom left corner top right corner) it seems like over 75% of this park is dedicated to dogs.  Maybe Fred Anderson was more a dog lover than a Jazz lover?

Forgive us if we are out of the loop on this, but wasn't part of this park supposed to be dedicated to a patio for Acadia?  We heard that it was supposed to be split 1/3 for dogs, 1/3 for jazz and 1/3 for patio for Acadia.

Apparently Acadia lost out to the dogs.  At least they won a Michelin star.

(Hat tip: D!)

A Map to the Sloop's Past

Most true Sloopers know that our fair neighborhood has a gangster past.  And if you didn't, this sweet map from myalcaponemuseum.com will fill you in.

We can't post an image due to copyright issues, but we highly suggest you check it out.

Not only does this link include two detailed maps of our neighborhood (also called the levee district circa 1895-1923), it has a unique designation for Cermak (aka 22nd street)..."The Street of Whores."

If this Motor Row re-branding doesn't take off, maybe the city could revert to this name...kinda catchy!

(Hat tip: PF!)

Chanukah Party @ Square One this Thursday (12/13)

Sponsored Post

You are invited to join the up and coming young Jewish crowd of the South Loop for an awesome Chanukah party -- "Maccabees and Microbreweries".  The event begins at 8:30pm this Thursday, December 13 at Square One (located at 14th and Michigan Ave).

The event will feature a variety of locally brewed beers, hot latkes, deli/vegetarian wraps and Sufganiot (Jelly doughnuts).

$pin the dreidel and light the Scotch Menorah! Best of all come out and hang with the yids in South Loop! 

You can have all of this Chanukah fun for just $10 if you reserve now at jewishsouthloop.com/microbreweries