The West Loop is Chicago’s former warehouse district and is among the most rapidly developing neighborhoods in the country. Originally a mix of factories, meat markets, and wholesale produce outlets, the neighborhood has seen a major demographic shift over the last decade. The historic brick and timber loft buildings that define the neighborhood have largely been converted to other uses, including a mix of luxury condos, creative offices, art galleries, critically acclaimed restaurants, hotels, and retail boutiques.
The West Loop has evolved into a must-see destination for locals and visitors who want to eat well. With new restaurant concepts opening on almost a weekly basis, the area boasts everything from Michelin Star rated Blackbird, Moto, Elske, Smyth & The Loyalist and Sepia restaurants to more casual options like Green Street Smoked Meats, Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, Parlor Pizza, Federales, and Umami Burger. Other well-known dining options include Girl and the Goat, Au Cheval, Lena Brava, Aviary, Momotaro, City Winery, Publican and Avec.
The neighborhood’s international reputation continues to grow with the opening of Google’s new Midwest headquarters, McDonald’s Global headquarters, Soho House hotel, Nobu Restaurant and hotel, Hoxton hotel, the We Work co-working building, Punch Bowl Social and Ace Hotel. Other companies calling the West Loop home include Uber, LinkedIn, Twitter and Gogo Inflight Internet. High-end retailers are also recognizing the area’s potential with the recent additions of Anthropologie, Free People, Billy Reid and Maria Pinto.
Excellent public transportation options including Metra train access at Ogilvie and Union Station combined with one of the city’s newest CTA stations in almost a decade that opened at Morgan and Lake in 2012 will continue to attract businesses and residents alike, making the West Loop one of Chicago’s most exciting and desirable neighborhoods.
To learn more about the West Loop, visit our blog at: www.westloopreport.com.
