Store Closing Sign Appears on Urban Grocers Store at 737 S. State

Looks like Urban Grocers is closing at 747 S. State (via MrSouthLoop): 

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For those of you interested, Urban Grocers open up in 2011.  At the time we thought it was strange to open up another convenience store in the area, but after a solid almost decade run it seems like the neighborhood supported it.  

We will be curious to see what pops up afterwards.  Seems ripe for QSR or some other service type of retail.  We shall see. 

Tutto Italiano (501 S. Wells) Closes After 27 Years Citing Challenges with Covid-19

We were recently directed towards a Facebook post from Tutto Italiano (501 S. Wells) on their decision to close given challenges associated with Covid-19.  It's story that's been way to common during these tough times and one that is important to note.  While we consider this restaurant outside of the Sloop (given that it's north of Ida B. Wells), it is certainly a place many in the neighborhood have frequented.

Tutto Italiano Restaurant has been in business for over 27 years at the same location, 501 S. Wells, Chicago IL. This is no small feat in and of itself, and something we are extremely proud of! For perspective, most restaurants fail within a year, and the majority that make it past the first fail within five years. It is an incredibly cut-throat, competitive industry. We have gone through many ups and downs for over a quarter of a century in the heart of Chicago's business district; including the dot com bubble,  9/11, and the 2008 housing and financial crisis. As tough as it had been through those times, we endured and rebounded, staying ever-resilient and optimistic that the future would continue to bring progress and opportunity. Resilience and grit are in our DNA; we are not nor will we ever be the victims of circumstance who fold and succumb to fate without doing everything in our power to control our destiny.

With that said, we had never faced the possibility of shutting down for good before. We are devastated to say that we now are. We have been a familiar stomping ground to the financial market district for years now. We believe this was only possible through the relationships we created with people. We've met and served professionals of all types through life's good times and bad, growing personal relationships and connections that have lasted decades. We have served patrons from all over the world, many that visit us every time they are in Chicago. We've heard and shared fantastic tales with patrons whom we truly consider our friends and family. We have often been told that we're more than just a restaurant serving good food and good drinks. For some, we've elicited a feeling of nostalgia and comfort that felt like they'd been lost for years, replaced with problems and hardships. In that way, we've been like the treehouse that your group of friends would meet at, where the world became an endless realm of opportunities and possibilities.

Tuttos has been a place of fun times, social gatherings, business meetings, even an incubator for a start-up most recently for my son, a former Tuttos employee. But this situation has brought us beyond the point of not being able to meet our obligations. This pandemic has been hard on everyone, there is no doubt. Millions have struggled immensely and will continue to do so. We would like to thank every single one of our loyal patrons and friends who have been with us and supported us in these tough and trying times. You directly helped keep us afloat this long.  We truly appreciate the love and support and want everyone to know that we are incredibly thankful and mindful of the fact that Tuttos isn't just a business to us or to our loyal patrons. We did not know how long we could make it, all that we know is that we tried with all that we could to endure, and the problems and hardships of life finally turned that treehouse of infinite potential into a place that will have to exist in our memories. We are sad to say that Tutto Italiano has met its end and will be closed at the end of 2020. We hope that you share a memory that you had with us and remind us of the good old days!

-Val & Sonny Dervishi

Owners, Tutto Italiano Restaurant

We've actually never been, but their distinct "train car" dinning area is something we've always been curious about.  Guess we'll have to see what comes next to check out this unique restaurant footprint.

Regardless, sorry to hear the news, but congrats to the owners and team on such a long run.  Definitely not easy in the restaurant industry.

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: I'll Take That Spot Thank You

 Interesting choice of (strategic) parking spots....the Sloop Pizza Wars are underway:

Keep your street occupied Lou Malnati's, Aurielo's and Giordano's.

Ald. Dowell to Host Virtual Community Meeting on One Central Development on January 25th

Yesterday we posted about the progress and plans for The 78.  Today we shift our attention to another massive development that also would change the neighborhood dramatically - One Central.

If you're not familiar with this one, it was first proposed back in 2019 and frankly was shocking at its ambition.  There have been some movements, but to date it's been mostly discussions.  That said, another community meeting being hosted by Alderman Dowell later in January:

One Central Community Meeting Announced for Monday, January 25th

The One Central mixed-use project from Landmark Development is proposed for approximately 32 acres of rail yards between the McCormick Place Convention Center and the Museum Campus on the Near South Side.

Pending the submission of a formal Planned Development (PD) zoning application and the completion of a formal review and approval process, the development proposes a multi-modal transit hub, up to 9,050 residential units, 1.5 million square feet of retail uses, 9.45 million square feet of office space, 1.5 million square feet of hotel uses, 350,000 square feet of event space, and 3,500 parking stalls.

Community Engagement

The proposal requires significant review by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and other City departments and agencies, as well as public hearings with the Chicago Plan Commission and City Council. A virtual community meeting hosted by DPD and Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) is scheduled for the below time and date.

One Central Community Webinar

6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25 | Register or Watch Live

This one still has a long way to go, but we have to keep an eye on it as it would have such a dramatic impact on the neighborhood.  Lots of positives and lots of negatives to consider.

The 78 "North" Phase Looks to Get Underway in 2021

Development news seemed to slow down in 2020, but judging by this post from chicagoyimby.com it looks like the Sloop's biggest project is poised for some major moves in 2021:

Infrastructure work is well underway for The 78, a 62-acre megadevelopment planned by Related Midwest for the South Loop area. Set to eventually house more than 13 million square feet of building space and cost $7 billion in total, the vast riverside project is being divided into separate phases, the first of which has been dubbed The 78 North.

The flagship piece for this upcoming stage will be a pair of connected office skyscrapers known as Gateway Towers. At 755 feet and 525 feet, the taller of the two will measure in at eighth place for Chicago YIMBY’s countdown of tallest new developments. This taller west tower will span 50 floors and 1.2 million square feet, while its shorter sibling will occupy 35 floors and 800,000 square feet.

Skidmore Owings & Merrill is the design architect for both The 78’s masterplan and its sub-projects like the Gateway Towers. Both will incorporate a series of setbacks allowing for subtle tapering profiles, and will be connected by a curvilinear multi-level skybridge near the base. The inward-facing sides of the buildings utilize a more open glass curtain wall, while their opposing outward-facing walls will feature a grated motif with a bronze metal paneling. 

Lots of interesting information to unpack here.

First - interesting to see that they're dividing this into separate phases dubbed North and presumably South.  It's a huge development and we knew it was going to take awhile to fully realize the vision, but this is the first time we're hearing about it being divided into two phases and starting on the North side of the plot (although that also probably could have been assumed).  

Second - the tallest towers - called "The Gateway Towers" will loom large over the neighborhood.  It brings serious elevation West and South to an area of the neighborhood that hasn't had it.  Judging by the renderings below it seems like the tallest building will be anchored most closely to the corner of Roosevelt and Clark:

Third - you can start to get a sense of how the streetscape of Roosevelt is poised to change dramatically.  We imagine these buildings will have entrances on Roosevelt, but will be curious to see if/how they try to give cars the ability to access the buildings and the broader 78 development from Roosevelt.  It's a sticky question on many levels - but for the neighborhood the biggest question is how it would affect an already congested major thoroughfare.     

If you look at the plan at the top, it doesn't appear that there is a vehicular entrance into the development from Roosevelt.  We thought they might try to squeeze in something at the intersection where vehicles can turn into Roosevelt Collection but that doesn't appear to be in the plan (probably a good thing if you ask us).

Finally, while this development is undoubtedly going to have a ton of eyes on it and will be controversial on many fronts - we're excited to see the impact it has for the neighborhood.  While these big buildings and increased density will change the vibe of the neighborhood, the amenities like the 7-acre public park and "riverfront promenade" could be amazing assets for the Sloop.  

While renderings should be taken with a grain of salt, it is fun to see what the vision is for these additions:

(Hat tip: TC!)

Happy 2021 From The Sloop Crew

 Who doesn't love cheesy gifs:

Sloopin's Top Posts of 2020: Protests, Riots and a "Restricted Area"

For our final post of the year it seems fitting that the post with the highest traffic was one dealing with the intense circumstances that erupted across our nation after the death of George Floyd.  Chicago certainly felt the pain and so did the Sloop.

Our post from Sunday, May 31st titled "Downtown Chicago and South Loop Will Be 'Restrictive Area' on Sunday After Last Nights Protests, Riots & Looting" had the biggest spike in traffic as our neighborhood and community was reeling from an intense night of chaos.

We've lived in the South Loop for the better part of 12 years and it was a night like we've never seen.  The emotions we felt paled in comparison to the thousands that took the street.  However, our emotions were still intense and conflicted.  Certainly the pain minority communities felt had boiled over.  But, it was confounding to hear glass shattering all around us, masked people running down the street with an unusual amount of urgency and smoke billowing into the city air (see "#ScarsInTheSloop: The Morning After...). 

We're not going to parse out the nuance here today, but given that this site is devoted to the South Loop and all that happens in it - we will say that the events of this year have caused people to question so many things including whether living in the Sloop was for them.  We've seen many friends and colleagues leave the city and numerous journalists question what's next for cities (see post from September titled "What's Next for Chicago?").  

The intensity of the protests and riots have subsided since the summer, but the feelings still linger as there is clearly no magic solution to "fix things".  Couple that with the raging pandemic and we start 2021 with an opportunity to turn the page, but realizing that is easier said then done. 

As for the Sloop, we still love our neighborhood.  We assume you do too.  That said, 2020 had us asking some existential questions on where we go from here.  Hopefully 2021 brings some clarity to those questions.

Here is to a happy and healthy 2021!

2020 Sloopin Business Counter: Despite Covid-19 +2 Net Businesses Opened in 2020

It's not surprising that some of our most popular posts had to do with businesses opening and/or closing in the South Loop.  So before we move on from the dumpster fire that was 2020 we're going to do our annual review of the business counter.  

With the help of Mr. South Loop (THANK YOU!), we've updated our business counter with the following openings and closings.  There is likely some we missed, so if you know of something please let us know.

By our count we had a +2 net of businesses opening in the South Loop.  While that continues a downward trend for the neighborhood (since we started keeping track in 2012) it is frankly better than we expected.  The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on small businesses and we applaud/appreciate all of them for continuing to bring their services to the community.  With that said, please support them as much as possible! 

Opened in 2020

1. The Grail Cafe (715 S. Dearborn)
2. Momentum Coffee & Coworking (2119 S. State)
3. MingHin Cuisine (1234 S. Michigan)
4. Harbor (1312 S. Wabash)
5. RSTR (1325 S. Michigan)
6. My Place (1307 S. Wabash)
7. Dearborn Denim & Apparel (728 S. Dearborn)
8. Teriyaki Madness (829 S. Wabash)
9. Caribbean Jerk Palace (733 S. Dearborn)
10. Allstar Seafood & Sports (730 S. Clark)
11. Honey Berry Pancake & Cafe (901 S. State)
12. Fruve Express Juicery (1131 S. State)
13. Hoots (1238 S. Canal Street)
14. Roots Handmade Pizza (744 S. Dearborn)
15. Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care (1135 S. Delano Ct)
16. Mau's House of Grooming (901 S. Plymouth Ct)
17. Taketei Sushi (800 S. Michigan)
18. Bureau Bar + Restaurant (2115 S. State)
19. Adorable Baby (1462 S. Michigan)
20. Fast Signs (1315 S. Michigan)
21. Paisans Pizzeria (700 S. Clark)
22. F45 (1322 S. Michigan)
23. Chicago French Press - Roosevelt Collection (150 W Roosevelt) 
24. 711 / Mobil Gas Station (560 W Jefferson)
25. Aspen Dental (1114 S Clinton) 
26. Sixt Car Rental (714 S Wabash) 
27. On Duty Urgent Care (2112 S Michigan) 
28. Knuckle Head Boxing (633 S Plymouth) 
29. Urban Paws (50 E 16th Street)
30. Hotel BnB (1316 Michigan)  
31. Wells Pantry (611 S Wells) 

Closed or Moved Out of the Sloop in 2020

1. Pier 1 Imports (1014 S. Canal)
2. Not Just Cookies (901 S. Plymouth Ct)
3. To Magic Nails (1255 S. State)
4. South Coast Sushi (1700 S. Michigan)
5. Carter's (1143 S. Delano Ct)
6. Sod Room (1454 S. Michigan)
7. Tiny Tunes Studio (69 E. 16th)
8. SRO Chicago (610 S. Dearborn)
9. Kroll's (1736 S. Michigan)
10. Giglio's Tavern (825 S. State)
11. Bridgeport Coffee Company (1021 S. Delano Ct)
12. Tantrum (1023 S. State)
13. Arts & Craftsman Supply (828 S. Wabash)
14. Vanille (800 S. Michigan)
15. The Scout (1301 S. Wabash)
16. Royal Puppies (2000 S. Wabash)
17. Starbucks (1101 S. Canal)
18. Panera (501 S. State)
19. Capsule Pharmacy (1442 S Michigan) 
20. South Coast Sushi (1700 S Michigan) 
21. Smart Kids Tutoring (1925 S Archer)
22. Antinos Pizza (570 W Roosevelt) 
23. T Mobile (14 E Harrison) 
24. Wabash Tap (1233 S Wabash) 
25. Bulldog ale house (1000 S State) 
26. UFC gym (1331 s Michigan)
27. Tommy’s gun garage. (2114 S Wabash) 
28. Relax Massage (80 E Cermak) 
29. Happy Chinese kitchen (80 e Cermak)

These are some of the other businesses we've heard about and may or may not open in 2021.  Hopefully they do, but we'll see...

• Sage Room (67 E. Cermak) 
• New Asian Fusion Restaurant (Roosevelt Collection - S. Delano Ct.)
• Overflow Coffee (1449 S. Michigan) 
• Wabash Tap New Concept (1233 S. Wabash) 
• The Lucky Well (Roosevelt Collection) 
• Crab Bucket (South Michigan & 21st) 
• Williams Inn Pizzeria (2210 S. Michigan) 
• Chick-Fil-A (Clinton & De Koven) 
• Xiang Hot Pot (2201 S. Michigan)
• Lao Sze Chaun (614 S. Wabash)
• Apolonia Restaurant (2201 S. Michigan)

• Haidilao (107 E. Cermak)

• Potential Marijuana Dispensary (1420 S. Michigan)

• Surf's Up (TBD)

• Orange Theory (110 E. Cermak)
• Million's Crab (1329 S. Michigan)

• Clean your dirty face will open (1347 S. Michigan)

Sloopin's Top Posts of 2020: Apolonia Restaurant Coming to Motor Row

Saying bye to 2020 can't come soon enough, but before we do we're looking back at the top three posts that garnered the most traffic to the site.  Yesterday My Gym - which hasn't opened - clocked in at the third most viewed post on the site.  

Today, another post about a business that hasn't opened yet was our second most viewed post of 2020.  This one was a post from January 30th titled "Apolonia Restaurant - from the Chef of S.K.Y. in Pilsen - Coming to Corner of Michigan and Cermak".  

Similar to yesterday, this post and news was prior to the pandemic threw everything off in 2020.  However, according to their Facebook page it appears that construction on their interior is at least moving forward:

So while they didn't open up in 2020 as they wanted to, it's looking like 2021 might be their year.  This addition to the Motor Row area would be a big boon so hopefully it happens.

We will stay close to this one and hope for the best!

  

Sloopin's Top Posts of 2020: My Gym is Coming to the Sloop (Maybe?)

It's the final week of the year y'all and if you're like us 2021 can't come fast enough.  Before we turn the page on a tough year on so many levels, we're going to highlight a three posts that garnered the most attention.

You can make what you with the info, but the data don't lie.

First up is a post from February, 26th titled "My Gym Coming to 1333 S. Wabash Retail Space".  This one surprised us a bit as it isn't the type of post that typically lights the neighborhood on fire.

That said, we know there are a lot of young families in the Sloop and we know they are usually schlepping their kids to various other neighborhoods for activities.  

Apparently many people are interested in this type of business.  That said, this was at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and as of now it appears that My Gym is still not open.  The location is still listed on their website, but we're unsure if this is moving forward.  Does anyone have any insight into whether or not this business is opening?

For those who aren't familiar with 1333 S. Wabash, this is the retail space that used to be Cycmode.  That business closed in the fall of 2019 and this property has been vacant since.

Hopefully My Gym is still coming to the Sloop - it would be a great addition to the neighborhood!

Merry Christmas from The Sloopin Crew

Merry Christmas for everyone who celebrates and for everyone else don't forget your favorite South Loop Chinese restaurant is likely open for dinner tonight!

(Hat tip:  TC!)

4,000 Manny's Meals Donated to South Sabina Neighborhood

 A nice story on multiple fronts (via Fox 32):

We've posted a couple times about Manny's challenges during Covid-19, but remember that other South Loop restaurants don't have the regional profile that the longstanding deli has and also need the help.  So if you can, try to support our local neighborhood businesses! 

Marijuana Dispensary Withdraws Application for Business at 1420 S. Michigan

In case you missed this one, it appears that the proposed Marijuana Dispensary at 1420 S. Michigan - that was opposed by various groups in the neighborhood - has withdrawn their application (via Chicago Sun-Times):

A major New York-based cannabis firm announced plans Tuesday to acquire one of Chicago’s only independent dispensaries and an outstanding pot shop license owed to the current operators.

AWH, which has operations to grow and sell weed across five states, detailed the pending takeover of Midway Dispensary in Vittum Park just three days before the shop’s owners were expected to petition the Zoning Board of Appeals to open their second location in the South Loop.

However, Midway on Tuesday abruptly withdrew its application to start selling weed at 1420 S. Michigan Ave. amid news of the acquisition and stiff opposition from both community members and local Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd). The neighbors most notably complained that the proposed location was just outside a city-mandated buffer zone from Old St. Mary’s School, a Catholic elementary school.

What this means for a potential South Loop dispensary remains a question.  Will the new owners of Midway look to another location in the neighborhood?  There was another dispensary company looking at location in the Sloop - specifically the vacant retail space at 900 S. Wabash.  

It seems like it's just a matter of time until something in this industry opens their doors in the Sloop, but guess we will see.  Anyone have any other insight on this one?   

A List of Sloop Holiday Meals Without the Hassle of Cooking

@mrsouthloop provides a nice overview of some of the Sloop's holiday restaurant deals:

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