It started with Dearborn Park, in 1977. Chicago Bears owner George Halas donated 50 acres of abandoned railroad yards to the city for redevelopment, and the neighborhood apartments and townhomes built along landscaped walkways was an instant success. The rebirth of the South Loop was underway.

Now the community is one of the city’s most vital and attractive. Vacant warehouses have been replaced by high-end lofts and condos, and upscale shops and restaurants are popping up to meet the needs of residents.

But all is not shiny and new in the diverse South Loop community. The expansive vintage spaces of Printer’s Row, once the heart of Chicago’s printing and publishing industry, have been transformed into high-end lofts, and the landmark buildings that contain them now include inviting shops and restaurants. The colorful gate at Cermak and Wentworth has been welcoming visitors to Chinatown since 1975, but the neighborhood has been home to much of Chicago’s Asian population since the early 20^th century.

There are plenty of prime dining destinations in the South Loop. For example, the Bongo Room is a super hip brunch spot, where the breakfast menu reads like a never ending dessert list. There are also many upscale cafes, delis, and Chicago style pizza places to check out. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, be sure to check out Thai Spoon, Triad Sushi, and Lao Sze Chuan. South Loop is located walking distance to all the major shopping areas including Michigan Avenue, The Shops at North Bridge (located on Michigan Avenue), State Street, and Block 37 (located on State Street).

5 minutes to Chicago Loop

20 minutes to Midway Airport

30 minutes to O’Hare Airport

Distance to Downtown

0-2 miles

The boundaries of the South Loop are Lake Michigan on the east, Cermak road on the south, the south branch of the Chicago River on the west, and Polk on the north. Buses, trains, cabs, subways, elevated trains and expressways run from downtown to nearly every corner of the city and many suburbs.

There are plenty of things to do in South Loop for both locals, as well as tourists. The South Loop is home to Grant Park, which hosts huge outdoor summer festivals, concerts, and events. This park is also a great spot for locals to have picnics, fly kites, take a nap, read a book, listen to music, and simply enjoy nature. The Museum Campus is a popular destination spot for tourists. It houses the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and the Field Museum. If you are into sports and want to catch a Bears football game, Soldier Field is located in the South Loop as well. The stadium also hosts many concerts.