Office Space for Rent The Loop - Chicago, IL

The Loop is Chicago's main business district and central downtown core, getting its name from the elevated "L" train tracks that have surrounded the area since 1897. The area underwent major redevelopment and emerged as Chicago's commercial and business center after the Great Chicago Fire 1871, and continues to evolve, blending historic buildings with modern high-rise and now becoming the city’s economic and cultural core. As such, The Loop has become a hub for retail, theater, finance and office space for rent.

Famous offices in The Loop include the world's first skyscrapers like the Rookery Building (209 S. LaSalle St.) and the Monadnock Building (53 W. Jackson Blvd.), which was the world's largest office building when it opened in 1891. Other historic buildings, such as the Willis Tower (233 S. Wacker Dr.), formerly the tallest building in the world, and the Chicago Board of Trade Building (141 W. Jackson Blvd.), a symbol of the city's financial power, are located in The Loop.

The Loop serves as headquarters to several major corporations, including United Airlines, which is based in Willis Tower (233 S. Wacker Dr) and Exelon in Chase Tower (10 S. Dearborn St.). Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, CME Group and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois also have office space in The Loop. Many companies choose office space in The Loop for its central location, excellent transportation access via multiple "L" lines and Metra stations, and the prestige of having office space in Chicago's main business district. The area's concentration of financial institutions, cultural attractions, and business services makes it a great environment for corporate activities.

As The Loop is Chicago's central business district, office space in the area commands some of the highest lease rates in Chicago, elevating the cost of business with higher property taxes and operational expenses when compared to outer neighborhoods. Office lease rates are higher than other Chicago neighborhoods like the West Loop Gate or River North, though they remain competitive with other major U.S. downtowns. The Loop's convenience and access to premium office space, living space, transportation and facilities justify the extra cost for many businesses and residents.

The Loop is served by all eight CTA "L" lines (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, and Yellow), making it the most transit-accessible neighborhood in Chicago. Multiple Metra commuter rail lines connect to Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station on The Loop's periphery, while numerous bus routes crisscross the district.

Within The Loop, the free Cultural Center tram connects major attractions, and the area's high walkability score of 95 means most destinations and office spaces are accessible by foot. The Divvy bike-share system (and protected bike lanes on major streets, Dearborn Street and Washington Street) also provides additional transportation options for commuters.

For drivers, The Loop is accessible via major highways, including I-90/94 (Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressway) and I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), which provide direct routes into downtown. Lake Shore Drive (U.S. Route 41) runs along the eastern edge, offering scenic access from the north and south. While traffic and high parking can be a challenge, the extensive transport options make The Loop one of the easiest places in Chicago to get around without a car.