Sloopin Top Ten of 2012: #2 - Roosevelt Collection

2012 is almost over and with that we fired up our google analytics account to see which stories had the most views during the year.  With that said, look for posts daily counting down our top ten stories of 2012.

Old Picture of Roosevelt Collection

#2:  Roosevelt Collection and its Retail
Like 2011, retail was a big story for the Sloop this year and it wouldn't be complete if Roosevelt Collection wasn't mentioned.  We've done our fair share of coverage on this topic, and won't bore you with all of the post, but needless to say, there was some big news coming out of Roosevelt Collection in 2012.

As many of you know, McCaffery Interests bought Roosevelt Collection way back in June of 2011.  In our opinion this was a good thing.  The development needed some fresh blood and a new team committed to making this project work.  We also like the fact that Magic Johnson was involved with it (however, not sure how much he was really involved).

In August of 2011 we heard plans to demolish the buildings in the middle of the complex and build out a more pedestrian friendly area.  Again a step in the right direction if you ask us.

Then in February of 2012, Dan McCaffery announced his goal that:

Construction on the property will begin immediately so that we can stay on track to host a Grand Opening before November 1st of this year. In addition to having construction complete by that time, we plan to have 75% of our retail stores leased and opening as well. Our team is working diligently to secure retailers so that we will have more exciting announcements to come.

A bold statement, but something that made us and others excited.  As construction moved forward, rumors began to emerge and we were getting a lot of tips from a variety of people.

In April, a reader posted that rumor on the street was that RC had signed up 18 impressive retail tenants.  We pondered that it may be a late April fools joke, but again we were excited (as you can see it doesn't take much to get us excited).

Than the mother of all rumors came out.  An Apple Store was coming to Roosevelt Collection!  Brigid Sweeney, a blogger at Crain's, even had a post stating that Alderman Fioretti had confirmed this.  McCaffery and Fioretti quickly backed down from this statement though.

As the November 1st goal was rapidly approaching, YardHouse a popular bar/restaurant chain listed a location at Roosevelt Collection on their website in August.  However after we posted our story, the restaurant took down their listing.

Months went on and the excitement built.  November 1st came............but we didn't hear anything.

Then on November 9th we got an invitation to come to an announcement on November 28th about retail at Roosevelt Collection.  Obviously we obliged.  

Before that though, it was leaked that Fleet Feet would open at RC.  People were excited!

And then finally, we heard a full list of retailers that had signed leases:

• H&M
• ULTA Beauty
• Fancesca's Collection
• BlackFinn American Grille
• Z Gallerie
• Fleet Feet Sports
• White House Black Market
• Republic of Couture
• Chica Loca (by Restaurants-America)

A solid list indeed and definitely provides reason to be excited.  However, there wasn't an Apple store and Yard House was missing as well.  The McCaffery team went on to state that they will also hope to have some additional announcements in the spring.  The other thing to note is that these stores won't open until the Autumn 2013...

If that wasn't enough of a Roosevelt Collection update for you, we also just read in December that they are trying to get city permission to build a new British School of Chicago on the land that sits just North of the current Roosevelt Collection.  That was supposed to be a public park.  We will see where that goes in 2013.

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?

It's Almost November 1st -- What's Up With Roosevelt Collection Retail?

It's almost November and while much of the world is focused on the upcoming election, we have another early November date that we've been keenly waiting for.  In February the new owner of the development, Dan McCaffery, had a promising statement:

Construction on the property will begin immediately so that we can stay on track to host a Grand Opening before November 1st of this year. In addition to having construction complete by that time, we plan to have 75% of our retail stores leased and opening as well.

Plaza Playground at Roosevelt Collection (photo: YoChicago)

There has been a lot of progress at Roosevelt Collection.  The plaza in the middle is completely redone and as far as we can tell looks pretty damn good.  We've also spoken to some residents at Roosevelt Collection who have been very impressed with how the McCaffery team has conducted business.

So that leads us to the biggest question of all -- the retail.  Is an Apple store coming to this development?  How about Yard House?  Or maybe some of these other quality retailers? Or maybe we won't hear anything?

Joe Zekas, from the blog YoChicago, visited the complex recently and weighs in on the situation:

I visited Roosevelt Collection last Friday, and the plaza appears to be nearly on target for completion by the end of this month. There were no signs, however, of progress toward any retail openings. The Roosevelt Collection blog isn’t listing any on-site retailers, although the McCaffery site does have a brochure naming several tenants.

The November 1st date is looming and a curious bunch of Sloopin shoppers and residents are eager to hear where we might want to spend money.

At a minimum we would at least like to hear if any retailers are confirmed.  We will see what happens...

Anyone have any thoughts or news on Roosevelt Collection?

Yard House Coming to Roosevelt Collection?

Last we checked November is rapidly approaching.  Some look to this month due to the looming presidential election -- us on the other hand are focused on November 1st since that was the date Roosevelt Collection stated as their goal to have 75% of their retail space leased and opened.

While we are still skeptical about that day, we are also cautiously optimistic as it appears that progress is being made.  We recently went to a movie and noticed work being done inside the retail space.  However, it still seems like they have a long way to go (albeit we're not construction experts).

Last we heard, there was a huge rumor that Apple would open up a store in Roosevelt Collection.  If true, it would have been the biggest retail development in the Sloop since Trader Joe's opened.  Anyway, we still don't know what to believe on this one.

Yesterday we got an interesting email from a reader: 

Yard House has officially mentioned that they're coming to Roosevelt Collection! Albeit next summer...

Interesting!  We're not familiar with Yard House, but according to their website they're opening in Summer 2013 at Roosevelt Collection.  For those of you who don't know (us included), Yard House is a chain, but it appears to be a upscale chain (think Cheesecake Factory):

Glendale Yard House (via Yardhouse.com)

Yard House is the creation of founder and entrepreneur Steele Platt, who came up with the concept shortly after relocating from Denver, Colorado to Southern California in the early 1990s. Platt, along with partners Harald Herrmann and Carlito Jocson, wanted to create a restaurant that would offer one of the largest selections of draft beers, a diverse menu of American fare, and play a heady selection of classic rock music on a state-of-the-art sound system. On December 7, 1996, the flagship Yard House opened along the Long Beach waterfront in Southern California. 

So two things are interesting about this.  One, it's a vendor officially saying they're coming to Roosevelt Collection.  Two, they're not opening until summer of 2013.

So what do you think?  Is this good for the Sloop?  Are we going to have anything open at Roosevelt Collection by November 1st?  Let us know your thoughts.

(Hat tip: VH!) 

H&M Opens Today at Roosevelt Collection Marking a Major Milestone for the Beleaguered Development

H&M is the first retail tenant
to open at Roosevelt Collection

Today at noon a major milestone will be reached for the beleaguered Roosevelt Collection development - H&M, the first retail tenant, will officially open up shop.  In honor of the opening, they're running some cool promotions (via Chicago Magazine).  But in our mind that isn't the real story.  The stor

Yes, Kerasotes Movie Theater has been open since December 2009, and while this has been a great addition to the neighborhood the massive amount of empty retail at the development has been a head scratcher.

So how did we get here.

While Centrum Properties dreamed up Roosevelt Collection, their timing (like many others) was bad as it coincided with the housing bubble that decimated the world economy.

This left the door open for other investors to sweep in and infuse some new blood into the ambitious development.  Enter McCaffery Interests.

In Q1 of 2011, word came out that Roosevelt Collection was sold to a group of investors lead by Dan McCaffery.  The move was encouraging given their experience in similar large scale developments.

While news coming out was all rosy initially, things were still relatively slow moving.  McCaffery even had a bold goal stating that he wanted to have 75% of the vacant retail space leased and opened by November 1st, 2012.

That didn't happen, but setting goals are critical for success in business.  In late November of 2012, Roosevelt Collection threw an announcement party for a variety of retail tenants that had signed leases.

Haberdash at 607 N. State in River North

While we're unsure what the total leased space percentage is now, momentum is clearly building for the development.  Beyond the stores that were announced late last year, a new wave of retailers have been announced including Bridgeport Coffee Company, Bevello and according to a post last week on the blog Racked Chicago, the popular men's store Haberdash has leased 4,000 square feet.

Rumors still tantalize Sloopers about a potential Apple store coming to the development.  And other developers are bringing big box stores to the Roosevelt shopping corridor (see The Maxwell at Clinton and Roosevelt).

But first things first - it's July 3rd, 2013 and today is a big step for the South Loop's most prominent retail development.

Congrats to the McCaffery team and welcome to the Sloop H&M!

So what do you think?  What is the current state of the South Loop's retail scene?  What does the future hold?

(Hat tip:  NM & CC!)

3 More Businesses Coming to Roosevelt Collection

It seems like every week we have some news coming out of Roosevelt Collection.  Whether it's a new store being announced or a new store opening, momentum continues for this once ill fated retail concept.

First off, a reader writes to let us know about a different type of "business" that is coming:

Northwestern Memorial physicians group is coming to The Roosevelt Collection -- sticker promoting it has appeared on the storefronts.

We couldn't find anything on the interwebs, but it wouldn't surprise us to see this happen.  Northwestern continues to extend their reach throughout Chicago and why not extend into the South Loop.  Seems to make sense to us.

Bentley's Corner Barkery Arlington Heights Location

In other more conventional retail news, Bentley's Corner Barkery is officially opening up in the shops as well.  Pet lovers will probably be happy (from their website): 

If you're like us, your pets have become family members. Bentley's Corner Barkery is dedicated to the health of your dogs and cats. We hand pick and research each item, so you can be at ease when making any purchase at our store. Customers like knowing we stand behind every product for sale. 

A big misconception is that quality means expensive, but our store carries an abundance of great-quality pet foods at affordable prices. Bring in your food labels to compare the ingredients of your current dog or cat food to our high-quality choices.

This is Bentley's first downtown store.  They have various stores in the suburbs.

Finally, That's Our Bag, the Michigan Avenue store that infamously has been "going out of business" for years has apparently officially closed their doors and will open them at Roosevelt Collection (according to an article on DNAinfo.com):

That's Our Bag on North Michigan Avenue is really closed this time. 

The discount luggage shop at 200 N. Michigan Ave. shut its doors at the end of August and stripped its shelves this week after 33 years at the corner of Lake Street, according to a post on the store's website. 

But many Chicagoans — who say they have seen "going out of business" signs at the store for years or even decades — said they weren't convinced the store was closing until the storefront was actually bare.

The article goes onto say:

Officials with That's Our Bag did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the store's website announced a new location planned for the Roosevelt Collection at 150 W. Roosevelt Road. No opening date was provided.

So yeah, good momentum at Roosevelt Collection.  Welcome to all these new businesses!

(Hat tip: TE, SP, AA!)

Apple Store to Roosevelt Collection Appears to be True!

Roosevelt Collection during the construction phase...

Back in April we had a post about an Apple Store coming to Roosevelt Collection.  Many of us were smiling, but skeptical given the "issues" that have transpired at the massive development.

With that said, that smile has grown after reading a story from Crain's blogger Brigid Sweeney about Alderman Fioretti stating that Apple was coming to the Sloop:

Alderman Robert Fioretti (2nd) says Apple Inc. plans to open a store soon in the South Loop. 

Speaking to a group of Crain's editors, Mr. Fioretti confirms what I heard earlier this spring: That the city's third Apple store—and the first on the South Side—will go into the Roosevelt Collection at Wells Street and Roosevelt Road. (Apple also has seven suburban Chicago locations.) 

Mr. Fioretti told the editors on Tuesday that the iPhone retailer is "coming close" to moving in and predicted the store could open by year-end. "It looks good," he said. Daniel McCaffery, chairman and CEO of McCaffery Interests Inc., which bought the struggling Roosevelt Collection project last year, confirmed to me that he's in talks with Apple, but is a bit more circumspect than Mr. Fioretti. 

"We share the alderman's enthusiasm and hope that one day we can share the announcement," he said. 

OK, so it's still not a definite but it sounds much more realistic now.  While we are impressed with Apple and glad they're considering a move into the neighborhood, the bigger story to us is that McCaffery may in fact be able to deliver the big tenants that have been rumored for some time.

We had a post with various retailers that were considering Roosevelt Collection and it was a pretty impressive list (including the likes of Lululemon, Letuce Entertain You, Arhus, etc).  Maybe this is really going to happen!

Anyway, if you thought Trader Joe's had an impact on whether or not other retailers would come to the Sloop, an Apple store will probably take that up a notch.  Only time will tell, but this is some big news for the retail scene in the Sloop!

(Hat tip: MG!)

Chica Loca Owner Takes Cheap Shot at Roosevelt Collection; Kitty O'Shea's Still Open

Quick update on a post we did last week about two restaurants.

1)  Chica Loca at Roosevelt Collection
 Chicago Eater has confirmed that Chica Loca will not be opening at Roosevelt Collection.  The restaurant group, Restaurants America (most famously known for the Bar Louie concept), had announced four new restaurant throughout Chicago.

Sounds like 3 of the 4 have been scrapped and the fourth seems suspect.

Why are they not opening at Roosevelt Collection?  Here is what he had to say (via Eater Chicago):

Of Chica Loca, he (Roger Greenfield) says the "project was underperforming and we passed"; signage was recently taken down there as well and Roosevelt Collection's leasing agent declined comment.

Sounds like he's trying to save face at the expense of the Roosevelt Collection project.  Maybe the project's struggling?  Or maybe his grand plans are struggling?  We will let you draw your own conclusions.

One of the other locations that won't become a reality is the Grant Taproom just north of the Sloop at 320 S. Michigan, which we wrote about back in March.

While we know opening a restaurant isn't easy, it sound like the owner of Restaurant America has had a record of flops (judging from the Eater Chicago post and a linked article from Crain's back in 2007).

2)  Kitty O'Shea's is not closed!
Kitty O'Shea's at the Hilton Towers (720 S. Michigan) apparently went through a small renovation - it is not closed!  We had a bunch of readers send us info on the topic:

Kitty O'Shea's is not closed. The hotel sometimes closes it when occupancy is very low. Does look like they did some remodeling though.

Good to hear that they didn't close - and for those that are interested, we've updated the business counter to properly reflect that they haven't closed.

(Hat tip:  MJ!)

Two New Restaurants Coming to Roosevelt Collection? Maybe a Container Store Also?

Last year was a big year for Roosevelt Collection retail, but the one thing that never really panned out was the eating establishments that were proposed.  Maybe 2014 will be the year that changes (via Eater Chicago):

People in the Gold Coast aren't the only diners who will get a new restaurant from Miae Lim. The former Japonais partner is also opening an unnamed restaurant in the Roosevelt Collection urban mall and condo complex, joining Wicker Park's Mirai Sushi and the upcoming Gold Coast expansion in the restaurateur's portfolio.

Details on the new restaurant are few, but a Roosevelt Collection marketing agent calls it "a new casual gourmet concept" and lists the space at 3,200 square-feet. It's scheduled to open at some point this year.

The post also provides an update on another announced restaurant:

Roosevelt Collection reps also say that this restaurant is in a different space than Roger Greenfield's aborted Chica Loca; they hope to complete a separate deal next week for a different restaurant there.

Hopefully this is true and two new restaurants will be coming to the hood.

A little foreshadowing for a post next week - Chica Loca will be coming off of our business counter.  More to come on this topic.

Finally, a construction savvy reader sent us an email:

Container Store at Roosevelt Collection. Saw that they were soliciting bids for this build out, but didn't see anything on the store website.

We tried to find some info on the web about this, but came up empty.  Regardless, a nice rumor for your Friday morning.

(Hat tip:  TCH!)

Out with the Couture, In with the Baby's at Roosevelt Collection

Maybe this is a sign of what are neighborhood is these days - baby gear instead of trendy gear.

It appears that there is some new news at Roosevelt Collection's retail space.

A reader writes:

Well looks like ROC @ Roosevelt Collection might be RIP? Tarps in all the windows... Last week was signs showing 40-70 off everything.

In other retail news, it appears that the baby gear store Carter's is moving into the Roosevelt Collection:

Based on our false alarm (albeit probably a valid warning sign) about Republic of Couture in January we figured we would try to get some confirmation.  This is what a representative from Roosevelt Collection told us:

Republic of Couture has closed this location along with several of their other locations such as Scottsdale, AZ, Omaha, NE, Queens, NY and Oxnard, CA as well as disabling their website. We look forward to gaining back this high quality retail space since demand for new retail in the South Loop has increased and we look forward to welcoming a new tenant in the near future. Our next exciting retailer to join Roosevelt Collection is Carter’s opening at the end of March, along with our restaurant tenants planning openings for this Summer.

(Hat tip: SH, SC, NK, KK!)

Roosevelt Collection Announces Variety of Retail Tenants

After years of speculation, tonight proved to be a big step forward for Roosevelt Collection and the Sloop.  At a private event at the ShowPlace ICON movie theaters, the management team at McCaffery Interests confirmed that 56% of the retail space had been leased to the following tenants:

• H&M
• ULTA Beauty
• Fancesca's Collection
• BlackFinn American Grille
• Z Gallerie
• Fleet Feet Sports
• White House Black Market
• Republic of Couture
• Chica Loca (by Restaurants-America)

A pretty impressive list if you ask us.

What else was learned tonight?  Well it's still going to be a little time before any of the store actually open.  According to the press release the target date for opening is Autumn 2013.   Also mentioned was another round of announcement in 4-5 months.  Obviously nothing was promised, but they seemed optimistic on this subject.

Our initial thoughts are job well done.  These are all quality stores and definitely a step in the right direction for the retail scene on Roosevelt.

Our second thought immediately goes to some of the other stores that were rumored but not announced.  Lululemon, Lettuce Entertain You restaurant and the elephant in the room, Apple Inc.  Crain's adds this about the latter retail establishment:

Mr. McCaffery added that he is not currently in talks with Apple, saying discussions that the technology company would open a retail location in Roosevelt Collection had always been speculative.

Strange about the Apple thing.  Seems like a couple people jumped the gun earlier this year.  The other strange piece of news is the lack of a commitment from YardHouse.  Back in late August a reader tipped us to the locations site of YardHouse's website and sure enough it said "opening in 2013 at Roosevelt Collection".  That was shortly removed and apparently isn't happening for the time being.  Strange.

So what do you think?  Is this what you expected?

Progress is progress.  Kudos to McCaffery Interests and the Roosevelt Collection team!

Roosevelt Collection Update and the Roosevelt Road Viaduct

A couple days ago we got an email inviting us to join Dan McCaffery, the head of McCaffery interests and owner of Roosevelt Collection, for a private event on November 28th to announce the future of the development as well as retail tenants.  Needless to say, we're excited to hear what is in store.

We've posted about the topic many many many times and it will be good to squash rumors and hear some news straight from the horses mouth.  Stay tuned.

Image from Architecture Chicago Plus

On a different note, but along the same lines, we wanted to post a quick link to a fascinating post by Architecture Chicago Plus about Roosevelt Collection and "The Roosevelt Road Viaduct":

The Roosevelt Road viaduct is another example of Chicago's man-made levels. It goes on for blocks, towering above Dearborn Park, over once endless strands of railroad tracks now mostly gone, and on to the approach to the bridge over the Chicago River.

In the middle of that viaduct is The Roosevelt Collection, a mixed use development with 342 residential units and nearly 400,000 square feet of retail space, A. Epstein, RTKL and Hirsch Associates, architects. While it has a new Target to the east, the complex, whose site plan looks like an oversized clothespin, otherwise lies within a moat of some of Chicago's largest tracts of undeveloped land.

The post goes on to walk you through the history of the road and leaves us with a critical jab at its current state:

Right now, the Roosevelt viaduct is an anti-urban disconnect from the fabric of the city, just as the retail to the west of the river veers towards an anti-urban, shopping-within-a-sea-of-parking vibe. Assuming all those vacant tracts around the Roosevelt viaduct eventually begin to fill up, the city needs something more than a development-by-development improvisation, lest the district become just a series of insular, self-contained mega-projects, existing in near-perfect isolation one to another. That's the profile of a second-rate suburb, not a great city. All the parcels will be developed separately, but continuity counts. Chicago needs a plan and a set of guidelines to stitch this tabula rasa together if the Roosevelt Viaduct District is to realize its potential as one the city's great neighborhoods.

We understand what the writer is saying, but don't think it's that bad.  Yes, it could be better and more "urban" but personally we appreciate the convenience that comes with a commercial corridor like Roosevelt Road could become.

While most urbanophiles love local, small stores with character (as do we), the reality is that most people still flee their area for the convenience of big box stores.  The challenge in our opinion is to build up Roosevelt Road, but keep the North/South streets more "local" and "urban".  If you walk down State, Wabash, Dearborn and Michigan Avenue you get this.  It could be better, but it's slowly getting their.

Hopefully Roosevelt Road corridor continues to develop and becomes a shopping destination, bringing people around the city to our neighborhood.  If the people come all the businesses in the area will benefit.

What do you think?  Disagree?  Agree?  Tough to tell?

Bridgeport Coffee Company Ready for Brewing in Center of Roosvelt Collection

Bridgeport Coffee Company at Roosevelt Collection (via Bridgeport Coffee Company website)

Momentum for retail at Roosevelt Collection continues as Bridgeport Coffee Company has officially opened their doors at Roosevelt Collection.  This is their third location.  The original is in Bridgeport (surprise!) and their second is in Hyde Park.

The new Bridgeport Coffee Company space is the only retail space located in the middle plaza at the shopping mall.  It's not a huge space, but seems like a good spot for a coffee shop.  We also presume that they will have a nice patio for outdoor seating with a fire pit (where people are standing in the picture above).

We've never had their coffee, but plan to shortly.

For those counting, this is the tenth store to open at Roosevelt Collection.  We've also updated our 2013 business tracker.

In other Roosevelt Collection news, it appears that Ann Taylor Loft is progressing nicely.  They have signs up and have maintained that they're opening in November...which just so happens to be this month!

Big Roosevelt Collection Retail News: Lululemon, The Container Store and Banana Republic Coming to the Sloop

Lululemon storefront

2014 has been humming a long from a retail standpoint.  Nothing major has happened this year (IMO), but big news has just emerged about three prominent national retailers coming to the neighborhood (via Chicago Real Estate Daily):

A trio of national retailers — Banana Republic, Lululemon and Container Store — are moving into the Roosevelt Collection shopping center in the South Loop, a big casualty of the real estate crash that is steadily filling up. 

Totaling 37,000 square feet, the new leases will bring the 330,000-square-foot retail development's occupancy to 79 percent, up from just 23 percent when Chicago-based McCaffery Interests Inc. and a partner bought it three years ago.

While we've heard rumblings of the Container Store seeking construction bids recently, it's good to get confirmation on Banana Republic and Lululemon.

Lululemon has long been rumored and hinted at based on marketing collateral that was floating around on the interwebs way back in early 2012.  We even heard stories of leasing agents at Roosevelt Collection not so subtly stating that a popular "fruit" yoga/athletic retailer would be opening up shortly.  Looks like it took some time for the ink to dry, but glad to see this coming to fruition.

The small article in Chicago Real Estate Daily also had some other intriguing tidbits and quotes:

• Container Store Group Inc. is the Roosevelt Collection's biggest new tenant, with a lease for more than 26,000 square feet, according to a recent McCaffery leasing document. Apparel retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc. leased more than 2,900 square feet there, the document shows. 
  A McCaffery spokeswoman also confirmed that Banana Republic, a unit of San Francisco-based Gap Inc., leased 7,500 square feet in the shopping center at 150 W. Roosevelt Road, west of Clark Street. She declined to confirm the names of the other new tenants or discuss their leases.  
  Sloopin thoughts: so you're telling us there are more stores?  
• The leasing activity should attract other national tenants that may not immediately think of the South Loop as a retail destination, said John Vance, a vice president at Chicago-based Stone Real Estate Corp. who wasn't involved in the deals. Sloopin thoughts: It feels like we're already seeing this with The Maxwell development and a lot of other interest and activity west of the Chicago River on Roosevelt.   
• Meanwhile, the McCaffery leasing document shows the company wants to build a 355-unit apartment tower on the northwest corner of the property. Further details about the new residential building were unavailable. The property currently includes 342 apartments.Sloopin thoughts: This isn't new news, but sounds like they're looking to move quicker than we expected.

Seems like some good momentum and seems like a good mix of national and local retailers at Roosevelt Collection.  What do you think?  Is this a good thing?

(Hat tip:  JJ, KM, AR, KW!)

Bevello Opens at Roosevelt Collection; Sleepy's Mattress Opens at 605 W. Roosevelt

Businesses continue to open up shop in the Sloop.

Bevello, the women's retailer with a "boutique" type of experience, has opened up it's doors at Roosevelt Collection:

Inside bevello at Roosevelt Collection (image from Roosevelt Collection)

 By our count this marks the seventh store to open at Roosevelt Collection this year.

Just down the street a new mattress store, Sleepy's, has officially opened their doors at 605 W. Roosevelt:

Welcome to both businesses!

The 2013 business counter has now been updated as well.

Bike to Work Week Starts Today; Stop at Roosevelt Collection for a Pit Stop on Monday, June 10th

Image from Roosevelt Collection Blog

It's apparently "Bike to Work" week in Chicago and since we like to trumpet alternative transportation methods thought we would let you know about a local event taking place in conjunction with the city's wider initiative (via Roosevelt Collection Blog):

Next Monday morning, June 10th, Roosevelt Collection and McCaffery Interests will be hosting a National Bike to Work Week event, welcoming cyclists from the South Loop and beyond to enjoy refreshments, learn about bike safety and meet with your two-wheeled inclined neighbors before they ride into work. Our pit stop—put on in conjunction with the Active Transportation Alliance and the Alliance for a Greener South Loop—will kick off the Commuter Bike Week Challenge. Below is everything you need to know:

What: Roosevelt Collection – Bike to Work Week Pit Stop
Where: 150 W Roosevelt Road – Center Plaza
When: 6/10 – 6:30 AM to 9 AM

We will have Caribou Coffee, Clif Bars, treats from Trader Joes and water bottles, among other goodies. Chicago non-profit Working Bikes, who work to provide donated bikes to those in need, will also join us next Monday.

Huge "You Got This" Sign Installed on Rooftop Park at Roosevelt Collection

We received this email and certainly can get behind mental health awareness:

A message of encouragement this Mental Health Awareness Month, Roosevelt Collection Shops in the South Loop has partnered with the wildly popular “You Are Beautiful” initiative, known for beautifying the city with encouraging art, to install the group’s largest 3D project to date atop the center’s spacious outdoor rooftop overlooking the city skyline. Might you be interested in sharing the news or an interview with a Roosevelt Collection team member about the project? I've attached photos for your consideration. 

A 31 x 8 foot installation installed by the initiative's founder Matthew Hoffman, the piece reads “You Got This” in large letters to show togetherness this Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond. The installation benefits NAMI, a Chicago-based organization fighting for families and individuals impacted by mental health conditions. Visitors are encouraged to donate to NAMI via signage surrounding the installation. For more information on Roosevelt Collection Shops or the initiative, please visit www.rooseveltcollection.com.

Big hat tip to Roosevelt Collection.  The retail game is tough and they continually get creative with their property and programs.

Chop Coming to Roosevelt Collection; Not Porkchop

This make a lot more sense - Crain's recently reported that Chop will be coming to Roosevelt Collection - not Porkchop:

Jovanis Bouargoub (via Crain's)

Jovanis Bouargoub, owner of Chicago-based Porkchop, will open his latest meat-centric restaurant, Chop, in October.  The 100-seat venue will open in the Roosevelt Collection Mall on the Near South Side.  

Mr. Bouargoub said Chop will share a theme with his three Porkchop locations — an easygoing atmosphere combined with high-quality, gourmet dishes. The food from both brands will incorporate inspirations from France, his homeland.

But unlike the barbecue- and whiskey-centric, Southern-inspired Porkchop, Chop will focus on steaks, burgers and wine. Described as "an everyman's steakhouse," Chop will feature grass-fed, locally sourced burgers and steak dishes, including the classic T-bone and a fried steak.

Sounds promising.

If you may recall we were left scratching our heads when it was announced Porkchop would be opening up in Roosevelt Collection along with another "smaller" Porkchop on Dearborn in Printers Row.  Well the Porkchop on Dearborn opened and now we know that the restaurant at Roosevelt Collection will be called Chop.

We will continue to monitor this as construction begins, but good news on the neighborhood dinning front.

(Hat tip: VM!)

Build Out in Progress for Chop at Roosevelt Collection; Aiming for 6-8 Weeks to Opening

It's been a roller coaster of emotions recently for diners in the Sloop (confirmation of announcement of Belly-up, closing of Zapatista and the uncertainty around Ma & I).  Today, a potential positive development for one of the restaurants at Roosevelt Collection:

Just a note that I snapped the attached pic of a sign being installed at the Roosevelt collection this morning. It looks like Pork Chop is going upscale. One of the contractors said they planned to be open in 6-8 weeks.

Last we heard, Chop was shooting to open in October of 2014.  Besides this restaurant there are two other restaurants that have been announced for Roosevelt Collection - Mirai Sushi and Mago Grill.

Nice to seem some progress on the restaurant front at Roosevelt Collection.

(Hat tip:  EM!)

Bath and Beauty Store, Sabon, Coming to Roosevelt Collection

Sabon Store on Upper East Side in NYC (via Roosevelt Collection Blog)

A reader sent us a tip that the Roosevelt Collection blog has announced that the israel based bath and beauty store, Sabon, will be opening up shop at the complex:

We are happy to announce the late fall opening of Sabon at The Shops at Roosevelt Collection! As international purveyors of hand-made bath and beauty products with natural ingredients from the Dead Sea, Sabon’s products focus on the healing of mind, body and soul as well as the universal experience of caring for one’s skin and oneself.  

Following the design of Sabon boutiques around the world, the storefront at Roosevelt Collection will feature a large stone-carved sink at the center of the shop. This basin allows the cleansing and healing of the skin to become a communal process, a visual and sensual experience for each customer. Products are shelved in cabinets and on tables reminiscent of the same furniture found in one’s home, furthering the inviting yet intimate feel of the store.

We did some googling and it seems like there stores in New York have a pretty good reputation (4 to 4.5 stars on Yelp).

Is anyone familiar with them?

(Hat tip:  SP!)