Mayor Emanuel Set to Announce $300 Million DePaul Stadium by McCormick Place?

We're going to wait patiently until this comes to fruition, but for those of you who are interested in the drama surrounding whether or not DePaul's basketball team will get a stadium in Motor Row, reports from yesterday evening were juicy (via Chicago Sun-Times):

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to announce this week plans for a $300 million 12,000-seat arena for DePaul University at McCormick Place — a proposal that will call for millions in taxpayer dollars, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times.  

The mayor will also announce plans to build two mega hotels on McPier property in the hopes of aggressively growing convention and meeting business in Chicago.

The article is behind their "register-wall", but it's worth a read if you're willing to register.

If you've been following this story over the past couple of months you know that it's taken its fair share of twists and turns.  While this sounds pretty solid, we're going to take a wait and see approach.

Regardless, pretty big news if this ends up being true.

What do you think?  Is this a done deal or is this just the latest twist in a heavily charged political tussle?

(Hat tip:  JA & KO!)

Columbia's Annual Manifest Festival Hits the Sloop This Friday (5/17)

We're huge fans of all that Columbia brings to the Sloop and every year their Manifest festival bursts onto the streets of the neighborhood.  It's definitely a unique event (from their website):

On May 17, Columbia College Chicago will celebrate the work of its more than 2,000 graduating students with its annual urban arts festival. From art exhibitions to readings, from original designs to singer showcases, the talent will spill out from Columbia’s South Loop Campus and onto the streets, with main stage performances from student bands creating the musical backdrop to the Manifest 2013 showcase. 

A free event, and open to the public, Manifest 2013 is made possible through the contributions of its sponsors and the creativity and gifts of the Columbia faculty and graduating student body. The all-day event marks the 13th year of the festival, and it will be filled with engaging, thought-provoking and playful art, music and visuals that showcase the talent and creativity of Columbia students.

Shots Around the Sloop: 2012 Airshow

(Hat tip: CS!)

Recently on the Sloopin Message Board....

Good discussions on the Sloopin message board:

• Corner State/Cermak by KO
• Fun event in the sloop Curiosity Conference by Slooper
• Loud Banging Noise all day long by Chris
• Concert fundraiser for New Orleansby Billy Puckett
• Trattoria Caterina by Michael
• South loop/near south sports leagues? by BD
• Wooden Houses at the Grand Central Station Site by JB
• Art Corridor on 8th @Wabash by susan
• New building at 18th & Wentworth? by s0nginmyheart
• pick up ultimate frisbee? by A-Rouss
• The Lex is being sold by LexTenant
• I vouch for Bridgeport Coffee - motor row resident by Sloopr
• Mover recommendations by Moovin
• Nepal House by Chris
• Is there really nothing we can do about the late night CTA work? by SloopDoggyDog
• Congress lighting display by Dennis McClendon
• Construction - SW Corner of Clark/Polk by johnepark
• Summer Festival Guide by MarkChicago
• Construction @ Grenshaw/Clintonby anonamoose
• Caribou on 8th and Wabash...closing? by bingo
• Bootcamp? by K
• CPA Recommendations? by SloopReviews
• Whole Foods opening Bar & Wine area by Sloopr

Indique Hair Opens at 1922 S. Wabash

We were recently strolling down Wabash on a nice spring evening and randomly noticed a new shop that opened at 1922 S. Wabash - Indique Boutique (see pic on the right).

Upon some additional research on the interwebs we noticed they were recently featured on Racked Chicago:

Chicago will be home to the newest Indique Boutique, which houses an internationally sold brand of hair extensions. Stop by the new location on South Wabash for the grand opening on May 11.

They're actually having a grand opening event including snacks, prizes and giveaways.

While we weren't familiar with Indique, they apparently have  a couple other locations on the east coast.

Best of luck and welcome to the neighborhood!

Pretty Donkey Coffee Coming to 77 E. Cermak

With a name like Pretty Donkey Coffee, you have to be pretty confident that your shop is going to be good because the name isn't helping it.  A reader writes:

Hey Sloopin- 

Keep fighting the good fight. Have you noticed that Pretty Donkey Coffee is planning a location on Cermak between CD One Cleaner and Velvet Lounge? 

Website is below- they already list the sloop location. http://www.prettydonkeycoffee.com/directions.html 

Well that's an interesting name if we've ever heard one.

Also, we hope their website is just a template because the title says "Pretty Donkey Coffee and Income Tax Service".

Anyway, a coffee shop would be great for this area and as far as we know there isn't really a coffee shop along this stretch.  The closest we know of is Overflow Coffee and that's at 16th and State (not exactly close).

Good luck to Pretty Donkey Coffee and welcome to the Sloop!

(Hat tip:  VG!)

Thredz Bar is Open! They Just Moved Locations

Just last week we got a tip from a reader who thought Thredz Brow Bar might have closed.  We gave them a call and the phone was disconnected.  Well apparently they're still open and just moved a little further South:

Hi Sloopin,  

I was disheartened to hear that you are spreading the word that Thredz is closed. we have moved to 2251 S Michigan Ave, inside Marimarshe Salon. Our move was not sudden as our clients were informed a month before the move. We also had almost daily communications via social media and Belly sent notices to over a thousand clients that check in with us. Thankfully most of our clients have continued to support us as it is a pleasure doing business in the South Loop. Our website also reflects the changes. Please know that we are still alive and well, and would appreciate it if you would share this with your audience  

Thank you,
Rhonda Owner
Thredzbrowz.com

So there you have it.  They're still open, just moved down a couple of blocks!

Bureau Bar Provides More Details About Their Concept

There has been some healthy discussion about Bureau Bar, the proposed local bar angling to open at 75 E. 16th street.

We didn't know much about the place, but received this brief description from them:

At Bureau Bar, we are committed to a standard of excellence that provides our “neighborhood family” with a memorable experience, and just a few steps away from home. With an amazing cocktail list served up by our wonderful bartenders and mixologists, an awesome variety of craft brews, and a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere that rivals your favorite hideaway, Bureau Bar is sure to be top of your list for an after work pit stop, a cozy night out, or just an amazing time with colleagues and friends. More exciting, Bureau Bar gives you everything you can want in a neighborhood bar, we make you feel like you are at home.

It sounds like the hold up on them opening is due to objections around their liquor license.  If you would like to support them, they're soliciting signatures for their online petition:

Petition in support of Bureau Bar LLC’s tavern Liquor license  

We the residents and legal voters within the South Loop Communities support Bureau Bar LLC, who has applied for a tavern liquor license for the proposed location of (75 east 16th street) We are in support of Bureau Bar LLC receiving the tavern liquor license required.

Out With the Old; In With the New Italian Restaurant at 616 S. Dearborn?

There has beens some discussion on the Sloopin message board about Trattoria Caterina (616 S. Dearborn) closing in Printer's Row.  We walked by recently and can confirm that brown paper is on the windows and it appears to be closed.

With that in mind a reader writes in:

FYI I live in the 600 S Dearborn building and noticed construction taking place at the old Italian restaurant in printer's row. I asked the door man and was told another Italian restaurant is going in. Supposedly the new owners are from Italy and speak w an accent :-).I believe the name of the restaurant is going to be Sofia or something similar. Maybe you can get more info. I'm very excited!

Has anyone heard anything similar?

(Hat tip: V8!)

Shots Around the Sloop: Sun Down

(Hat tip: CS!)

Poll: Most Sloopers Commute to the Loop

Nuovo Aesthetics & Smartlipo Coming to 2037 S. Indiana; Thredz Brow Bar Closed

A reader writes:

New shop opening soon. It also looks like Theadz Brow Bar right next door has closed but I can't confirm.

Interesante...what's smartlipo?  

On a different note, we gave a quick ring to Thredz, but the number on their website was disconnected.  As a result, we're chalking this one up to a closed business.

(Hat tip:  VE!)

It's Official: Penguins Are Coming to Soldier Field to Play the Hawks on March 1st

The 2013 playoffs are underway and the Hawks had a solid win on Tuesday night.  While we all know a Stanley Cup is the goal for the current Hawk crew, it's now official that next year's team will look to win a historic outdoor game at Soldier Field on March 1st versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While some will chastise the NHL and Hawks brass for making the "outdoor game" a gimmick, we don't care.  It's not the best hockey viewing experience, it's not the best hockey playing experience, but it's a fun time and something we will definitely be looking forward to.

Yes, watching college teams at Soldier Field this year was fun, the Hawks versus the Pens will be much more compelling with a much larger crowd.  

City Segway Tours Moving to the Sloop

If you're an avid reader of Sloopin you probably know we have "mixed" feelings on Segways.  While they're conceptually interesting, when you see people zooming down the street it's hard not to chuckle.

Well regardless of our views on Segways, a new business is moving down to the Sloop and yes their core product is Segway tours.  City Segway Tours is moving down to the retail space at 910 S. Michigan (from 400 E. Randolph).

And while we might scoff at Segways, it's clear that they do serve a purpose and they do provide a good way for tourists to quickly zip around our city to see the sights.

Ironically, we were watching the highly entertaining CBS Sunday Morning show this past Sunday and saw this comical segment on innovative "flops".  What was the first product featured?  You guessed it the Segway:

great stuff!