Curbed Chicago Previews Some Big Development Stories for 2017

A look at a rendering of how Jahn's 1000 S. Michigan could alter our skyline

One of our go to sites for development news - Curbed Chicago - takes a peak at the top 5 development stories to watch in 2017.  Naturally the Sloop gets some attention:

From an architectural standpoint, 2017 could be an especially exciting time for Chicago’s South Loop. The downtown neighborhood is poised to see construction commence on a 76-story skyscraper from architect Rafael Viñoly in the coming weeks. With Helmut Jahn’s glassy 836-foot building at 1000 S. Michigan Avenue on deck, another high-profile ground-breaking very well may be in the cards in 2017. Will some of these projects ever rise over the city’s skyline? We’ll have to wait and see how the rental and condo market continue to perform over the next year.

Also worth reading in the article is the blurb about the activity happening around McCormick Place (we'll spend some time on that later next week).

Looking Back at 2016 and the Roller Coaster Year it Was

2016 is almost gone, so per usual we're taking a quick look back at the year that was in the Sloop.

Scene in alley off of 18th street after fatal shooting

First the quantitative look back.

According to Google Analytics are biggest spike in traffic on the site was on Monday, August 29th when we posted about a fatal shooting of a neighborhood man in the alley south of 18th between Michigan and Indiana.  Simply put, it was a jarring event that put many of us on high alert.  

The good news (if there can be after such a horrific event) was that the neighborhood rallied and a saw a huge crowd show up at the patio of Spoke and Bird to discuss what could be done. 

Second highest spike - again more shooting.  This time on Monday, February 29th, when numerous readers emailed us about a shooting at 1801 S. Michigan.  Luckily it sounded like no one was hurt in this altercation.

Although safety and violence are always a top concern for the neighborhood, the most pervasive story - again - was development.  It didn't seem like a week would go by without some form of announcement.  It also feels like every single vacant piece of land in the neighborhood has something proposed.  What gets built is a different story, but there are a ton of cranes in the area.  We anticipate this continuing into 2017.  

Beyond that, who knows.  Seems like we're in a boom cycle.  We're skeptical that there is enough demand to keep up with the pace of building, but what do we know.  

In more civic development news, 2016 was the year the George Lucas museum was officially killed for the museum campus.  But we did see major progress on Cermak road with the build out of the DePaul Arena (will be known as the Wintrust Arena apparently) and hotels.  This area still has a ways to go, but it is making visible progress which is a change for the talk of the past.

Lot acquired by city for new South Loop Elementary School

Another major story was the announcement that the city is building a new elementary school for the South Loop at 16th and Dearborn.  Lots of questions still remain, but definitely an exciting project that many in the neighborhood are optimistic about.

We're not going to spend much time on the business/restaurants/bars that opened and closed in 2016 because we've done that over the past two weeks.  Needless to say, still trending in the right direction for new places opening.

To round out the year, 2016 was epic for something that did happen and didn't happen in our backyard.  

As you're probably guessing, we're talking about the Cubs winning the World Series and hosting (arguably) the 7th largest gathering of human beings in the world (cough cough - right?!?).

Regardless if you're a Cubs fan, it was a pretty surreal experience in and around the Sloop.  It was an unseasonably warm November day and that brought a ton of people to the neighborhood to celebrate this once in a lifetime type of celebration.

Along those lines, it was also a strange to watch the 2016 Olympics in Rio.  To be clear, we probably are fortunate to have lost the bid to host the 2016 Olympics in Chicago.  While it would have been a once in a lifetime experience, it would have undoubtedly put a spotlight and stress on our city and neighborhood that would have been hard to withstand.   

Finally, we just wanted to say thanks for all the peeps who help us do what we do with Sloopin.  It's not an easy endeavor and without the emails, comments, tips, pictures, etc it wouldn't exist.

So thanks and looking forward to a great 2017!

Putting the Finishing Touches on the 2016 Business Counter

Last week we tried to put the finishing touches on our annual business counter.  We got a lot of tips through our comments, emails and social media channels - thanks!

Here is where we netted out - speak now or forever hold your peace:

Opened:

1. Stan's Donut & Coffee (28 E. Roosevelt)
2. Belly Up Smokehouse & Salon (1132 S. Wabash)
3. Harold's Chicken Shack (612 S. Wabash)
4. Bespoke Men's Grooming (529 S. Dearborn)
5. Saraya Salon (1463 S. State)
6. Portillo's (520 W. Taylor)
7. Mago Grill & Cantina (250 W. Roosevelt)
8. Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken (250 W. Roosevelt)
9. Lenscrafters (250 W. Roosevelt)
10. &Blowdry (1315 S. Michigan)
11. Chopstick's (20 E. Roosevelt)
12. Old Navy (250 W. Roosevelt)
13. Armand's Victory Tap (1416 S. Michigan)
14. Rylon's Smokehouse (67 E. Cermak)
15. Akirah's (1845 S. State)
16. Sip & Savor Coffee Shop (2239 S. Michigan) 
17. Aligned Modern Health (1335 S. Michigan)
18. The Nook (1929 S. Archer)
19. Ivy Garden (1455 S. Michigan)
20. Roots of Integrity & Deep Roots (1006 S. Michigan)
21. New City Alfa Romeo FIAT dealership (2401 S. Michigan)
22. Hertz Equipment Rental (2424 S. Wabash)
23. Re/max Synergy Real Estate (1345 S. Michigan)
24. Versailles Massage (1331 S. Michigan)

Closed or Moved Out of the Sloop in 2016 (note some may reopen):

1. Lululemon (250 W. Roosevelt)
2. Harold's Chicken Shack (636 S. Wabash)
3. La Haven Coffee (1250 S. Michigan)
4. The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash)
5. Chicago Kernel (511 S. State)
6. Toss the Hair (60 E. 13th)
7. Artist's Cafe (1150 S. Wabash)
8. Golfsmith (627 W. Roosevelt)
9. Chopstick's (20 E. Roosevelt)
10. Mercat a La Planxa (638 S. Michigan)
11. Hackney's (733 S. Dearborn)
12. Castle Keepers Realty (729 S. Dearborn)
13. George's Lounge (646 S. Wabash)

Did we miss any? If so please email us. We're going to do our best to monitor this throughout the year, but as always we're going to rely on our loyal Sloopin readers to help us keep track.

Since we're talking lists, here are some other businesses that may or may not open up in 2016:

• Blu Dog Stay Play Spa (2000 S. Wabash)

• Jamaica Jerk Villa (2216 S. Michigan)
• Reflexology Foot Parlor (1319 S. Michigan)
• TBD Salon (705 S. Dearborn)
• University of Chicago Clinic (1101 S. Canal)
• Pin me up (2411 S. Michigan)
• Natural Girl (1547 S. State)
• Versailes Massage & Bar (1311 S. Michigan)
• Big Shoulders Chicago (1449 S. Michigan)
• Bar Method (2112 S. Michigan)
• Dental Office (1620 S. Michigan)
• Pizano's (2106 S. Indiana)
• Gordo's (729 S. Dearborn)
• Rosebud's Artist's Cafe (1150 S. Wabash)
• The Vault (1325 S. Michigan)
• Bulldog AleHouse (910 S. State)
• World of Beer (250 W. Roosevelt)
• M Vie (TBD)
• Orange Theory Fitness (TBD)
• Pure Barre (1336 S. Michigan)
• Title Boxing (250 W. Roosevelt)
• TBD tattoo Parlor  (2008 S. Prairie)
• TBD Dental Office  (1468 S. Michigan)
• TBD Pediatrician Office  (1471 S. Michigan)
• Wing Stop (500 W. Roosevelt)
• TBD Restaurant from Hackney's Owner (733 S. Dearborn)
• Float Sixty (1130 S. Michigan)
• 14 Parish (2333 S. Michigan)
• TBD Nail Salon (730 S. Michigan)
• Chicago Firehouse (1401 S. Michigan)

South Loop Stalwart Chicago Firehouse Reopening in January

While we've been monitoring the progress at the Chicago Firehouse rebuild, this is the most concrete info about their impending opening (via Chicago Magazine):

Two years after a fire devastated its landmarked building, the longstanding steakhouse has risen from the ashes and will reopen—“enhanced,” according to principal Matt O’Malley—in January.  

O’Malley says the DNA of the place remains intact, and certain design elements, such as parts of the original tin ceiling, were reconstructed. Enhancements include a landscape mural in the dining room, mimicking the type of décor that was en vogue in 1905 when the building was erected. “We are making an effort to put history back in,” he says.

For those who forgot, the Chicago Firehouse suffered a massive fire approximately two years agoLo.

While not a "trendy" steakhouse, it is a solid one and one that we're excited to see reopen.

(Hat tip:  SS!)

Caribbean Restaurant, 14 Parish, Coming to 2333 S. Michigan

In case you missed this one a couple weeks back:

A new Caribbean restaurant is headed to Michigan Avenue, just south of Motor Row Brewing. It’s called 14 Parish, 2333 S. Michigan Ave. They’re planning a Jan. 14 grand opening.

Pretty sure this is different then Jamaican Jerk Villa that is supposed to be coming to Motor Row as well.

Anyway, looks like they're planning for an opening in Mid-January 2017:

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Lady in Red

(Hat tip: SBS!)

Merry Christmas from Sloopin!

Happy Hanukkah From Sloopin!

Float Sixty Coming to 1130 S. Michigan in Spring 2017

Thanks for all the emails and corrections for the business counter.  We are going to summarize the changes next week in case anyone has some more.

However, one of the tips we got was in reference to a new and unique business that's opening up at 1130 s. Michigan:

Float Sixty is slated to open in Spring 2017 at 1130 S Michigan Ave. 

www.floatsixty.com/south-loop

While we joke that Michigan Avenue is Spa Row or Doctors Row - and this business would definitely fit into the former - this seems to be a differentiated type of spa/relaxation experience.

We've never done "a float" but color us intrigued:

(Hat tip:  KLD & HE!)

Tiger Woods Reportedly Redesigning Jackson Park and South Shore Golf Courses into Championship Quality Course

Aerial shot of South Shore Golf Course 

Ok - so admittedly this is outside of the Sloop, but I like to golf and this story is pretty interesting.  Being a city dweller is great, but if you like to dable in the game of golf it's a big time suck.

Yes, there are some courses in relatively close proximity to us in the Sloop, but they aren't great.

So when we read that Tiger Woods was going to redesign the Jackson Park and South Shore public courses our ears perked up (via Chicago Tribune):

For decades, Chicago's golf impresarios have wondered if it would be possible to recast Jackson Park and the lakeside South Shore into a dazzling course that could host a premium PGA Tour event such as the BMW Championship.  

Finally, the answer is yes.  

As first reported by the Tribune, Woods has committed to be the lead designer. In a statement released by TGR Design, Woods said: "This project can create incredible possibilities for the community on the South Side. We want to design a course that everyone will enjoy."  

And on Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel will announce the formation of the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance (CPGA), a nonprofit charged with improving Chicago Park District courses and golf facilities, expanding youth golf programs and, most significantly, raising money to make the Jackson Park/South Shore project a reality.  

The project comes with a price tag of about $30 million, not including the cost of building a tunnel at 67th Street to connect the courses and another under South Jeffrey. Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly said the goal is to have an 80/20 percent split of private and public money.

Also interesting is that President Obama reportedly lobbied Tiger for this project.  It makes sense in some capacity as the new Obama Presidential Library will also be in Jackson Park and the president is an avid golfer.

Timing seems relatively loose, so we will see how this progresses.

This project does seem to have some serious potential.  Despite the fact that both courses are run-down, they do occupy some amazing real estate - especially the South Shore course which hugs the Lake Michigan coast.

The second hole at the current South Shore course is actually a pretty great golf hole with the city's iconic skyline in the background.

(Hat tip;  AF!)

Retail Space at Northeast Corner of State/Cermak Progressing

A reader writes:

The little shops that burned down are building again! Not sure what is going in here, but hopefully something better than what was there WITHOUT horrible LED window display lights.

Seems like some valuable real estate to us given it's proximity to the CTA stop and all the development that is expected to happen in this area.  We shall see if they can pull some respectable tenants.

As a reminder, approximately two years ago, the old space went up in flames.  

It's clearly been a slow moving process to rebuild.

(Hat tip:  JJ!)

2016 is Almost Gone - Help Us Update Our Business Counter

If you're a regular here at Sloopin you know we like to keep tabs on businesses coming and going.  We do this, by posting info often but also updating our Sloopin Business Counter page.

Right now, our records show that we're a +6 for 2016.  That being said, wanted to bring attention to our list, so hopefully our faithful readers can point out anything that's wrong or we've missed:

Opened in 2016

1. Stan's Donut & Coffee (28 E. Roosevelt)
2. Belly Up Smokehouse & Salon (1132 S. Wabash)
3. Harold's Chicken Shack (612 S. Wabash)
4. Bespoke Men's Grooming (529 S. Dearborn)
5. Saraya Salon (1463 S. State)
6. Portillo's (520 W. Taylor)
7. Mago Grill & Cantina (250 W. Roosevelt)
8. Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken (250 W. Roosevelt)
9. Lenscrafters (250 W. Roosevelt)
10. &Blowdry (1315 S. Michigan)
11. Chopstick's (20 E. Roosevelt)
12. Old Navy (250 W. Roosevelt)
13. Armand's Victory Tap (1416 S. Michigan)
14. Rylon's Smokehouse (67 E. Cermak)
15. Akirah's (1845 S. State)
16. Sip & Savor (2239 S. Michigan)

Closed or Moved Out of the Sloop in 2016

1. Lululemon (250 W. Roosevelt)
2. Harold's Chicken Shack (636 S. Wabash)
3. La Haven Coffee (1250 S. Michigan)
4. The Shrine (2109 S. Wabash)
5. Chicago Kernel (511 S. State)
6. Toss the Hair (60 E. 13th)
7. Artist's Cafe (1150 S. Wabash)
8. Golfsmith (627 W. Roosevelt)
9. Chopstick's (20 E. Roosevelt)
10. Mercat a La Planxa (638 S. Michigan)

Did we miss any? If so please email us. We're going to do our best to monitor this throughout the year, but as always we're going to rely on our loyal Sloopin readers to help us keep track.

Since we're talking lists, here are some other businesses that may or may not open up in 2016:

• Blu Dog Stay Play Spa (2000 S. Wabash)

• Jamaica Jerk Villa (2216 S. Michigan)
• Reflexology Foot Parlor (1319 S. Michigan)
• TBD Salon (705 S. Dearborn)
• University of Chicago Clinic (1101 S. Canal)
• Pin me up (2411 S. Michigan)
• Natural Girl (1547 S. State)
• Versailes Massage & Bar (1311 S. Michigan)
• Big Shoulders Chicago (1449 S. Michigan)
• Hertz Equipment Rental (24th and Wabash)
• Bar Method (TBD)
• Dental Office (1620 S. Michigan)
• Ivy Garden (1455 S. Michigan)
• Pizano's (2106 S. Indiana)
• Gordo's (729 S. Dearborn)
• Rosebud's Artist's Cafe (1150 S. Wabash)
• Aligned Modern Health (1335 S. Michigan)
• The Nook (1929 S. Archer)
• The Vault (1325 S. Michigan)
• Bulldog AleHouse (910 S. State)
• World of Beer (250 W. Roosevelt)
• M Vie (TBD)
• Orange Theory Fitness (TBD)
• Pure Barre (1336 S. Michigan)
• Title Boxing (250 W. Roosevelt)
• TBD tattoo Parlor  (2008 S. Prairie)
• TBD Dental Office  (1468 S. Michigan)
• TBD Pediatrician Office  (1471 S. Michigan)
• Wing Stop (500 W. Roosevelt)

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Ice Cold Moment of Zen

(Hat tip: CL!)

The Sloopin Open House: Colorful Kitchen Peninsula

It's been awhile since we've done a Sloopin open house post, but since winter is here in full force we (ironically) thought we should call attention to an open house this weekend because let's face it - foot traffic for open houses will probably be light.

As suspected, not many listings for this weekend.  However, a 1bd/1bth loft at one of our favorite converted buildings - the old Kodak building - caught our attention.

The unit isn't big, but it does have some solid charm with a ton of exposed brick and timber ceilings.  However, what really caught our attention was the colorful kitchen area:

Pretty sweet if you ask us!

Anyway, this unit is listed at $225K and has homeowner assessments of $325 a month.  It appears that it does not have parking included.

If you want to brave the cold and snow, head on over to 1727 S. Indiana Ave Unit #324 on Saturday (12/7) between 11 and 1:30pm.

HealthPark Potentially Coming to Old Skate Park in Grant Park

DNAinfo has the scoop on a new amenity coming to our neck of grant park:

The Grant Park Conservancy has shared renderings of the "health park" it wants to build at the northwest corner of 8th Street and Columbus Drive before a public presentation Wednesday night at Northerly Island Park Field House, 1521 S. Linn White Drive. 

Unlike Los Angeles' "Muscle Beach," Grant Park's health park is going for an "inclusive" setting with free fitness classes, handicap-accessible equipment and a "green, almost arboretum" setting with hills akin to Maggie Daley Park nearby, said Bob O'Neill, president of the conservancy.

Looks pretty cool to us.

(Hat tip:  MK!)

Curbed Chicago Snaps Some Pics of Pre-Construction work at Indiana/Roosevelt

Last week we got word that some action was about to begin at the high-profile vacant lot at Indiana and Roosevelt.  Well Curbed Chicago snapped some pictures and provides another update:

While it’s not quite time to add the upcoming 800-plus-foot skyscraper designed by Uruguay-born starchitect Rafael Viñoly to the Curbed Chicago high-rise construction map, dirt is moving at the prime parcel located at the southern edge of Chicago’s Grant Park. This week brought notable progress including the addition of new fencing and the destruction of the site’s existing pavement. The recent action seems to be entirely consistent with the tentative pre-construction time table that was distributed to nearby residents last week. 

With its foundation permit already issued, the South Loop project is expected to begin caisson work some time in January. Once drilling begins in earnest, the 792-unit rental project will officially take its place as the second tallest building under construction in Chicago—edging out Streeterville’s One Bennett Park while falling well short of the 1,186-foot-tall Vista Tower currently on its way to Lake Shore East.

Teens Get in Free at The Art Institute Come 2017

Sounds like our teenagers are going to have a free ride into the Art Institute come this new year (via Chicago Tribune):

High school-age Chicago teenagers will get in free to the Art Institute beginning in the new year.  

A new donation will allow the Michigan Avenue museum to admit 14-to-17-year-olds from the city without charge. Currently all kids are free up to age 13.  

"We're incredibly excited about this," said James Rondeau, the museum's president and director. "It goes to the core of who we are and what we do and who we aspire to be. … This allows us to reach a whole new audience and hopefully build that audience for the future."  

The new admission policy comes courtesy of a gift from Topeka, Kan., philanthropists Glenn and Claire Swogger.

Old Navy Opens at Roosevelt Collection

In case you didn't know, it appears that Old Navy at Roosevelt Collection is officially open:

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Shine a Light

(JH!)

Conceptual Design Emerges for Rezko Lot?

It's been a busy week on the development news front in the Sloop and late yesterday, we received an email from a reader with an interesting conceptual design visual for the Rezko lot:

The email was lacking context, so we're not really sure what to make of it.

Nonetheless there are some interesting things and notes on the plan that stick out:

So we see:

• 5 star and 4 star hotels just off of Roosevelt road
• A welcome plaza in the middle
• An "innovation center", "tech center" and "nutritional center"
• Something in Subarea 2 that looks like it says "china america center" (not really sure about this one?!?!?!)
• Residential and Commercial as you go further south
• A pretty healthy sized river walk
• A system of streets that don't appear to follow the city grid very well

Obviously we're making some off the cuff observations here, but hey, this is the first time we've seen something like this for this area in awhile.

Any additional thoughts on this?  Does anyone else have any context?

(Hat tip:  SE!)

Opinion: The New Northerly Island Ain't Very Good

A critical view on the new and "improved" Northerly Island (via opinion piece in Tribune):

As of fall 2016, the island's “trail,” in reality a 15-foot-wide cement road, is impassible due to a collapsed section on the east side of the island, making it impossible to circumnavigate the island. The entire eastern half of the trail has been closed since shortly after it opened, originally blocked off with temporary “snow fencing” and more recently with cement barricades. Who knew cement was native to the Midwest prairie? The view of the lake from the west side of the island, the only side that is passable, is obliterated by huge boulders, added post-design because erosion had not been factored into the original design. Duh. Unsightly fences currently line both sides of the “trail” to protect the new shrubs.  

So, at present, one is free to meander the concrete trail until one runs into the concrete barricade. In short, there is now nothing that is the least bit attractive or inviting about this formerly lovely space.

We've been out their and agree that the current state of the island is pretty unfortunate.

That being said, we are taking the optimistic angle and hope the eastern trail is fixed in the upcoming year.  A boy can dream...

(Hat tip:  AM!)

Crescent Heights Gigantic 76 Story High-rise to Begin Construction at SW Corner of Roosevelt and Indiana

Exciting news about a hotly-anticipated, (potentially) skyline defining high-rise from a reader:

Dear Owners and Residents: 

Please note that Management was just informed today that McHugh Construction will be mobilizing next week to commence construction of 1200 S. Indiana. They will first clear the site, as well as erect fencing around the perimeter. They will also establish the private alley connection through to Michigan Avenue. Drilling of deep foundations is anticipated to begin by the beginning of January 2017 and will take approximately 2 months. Finally, excavation and construction of the rest of the foundation system and related underground work will carry on through the end of May 2017. 

Thanks!

As a reminder, the first phase of this development will start at the southwest corner of Indiana and Roosevelt (the second tower from the right in the rendering).  Last we heard, this building would be 76 stories tall and have 792 rental units.

While this project will be a major new addition to the South Loop's skyline and the city's, it has been met with concerns from some neighbors (as we posted about back in April).  We're unsure if plans have been adjusted to take any of these concerns into account, but regardless, looks like this big project is moving forward.

Seems like a strange time to start the project (at the onset of winter), but we guess that's not a concern.

(Hat tip:  AR!)

Vegetation Being Cleared Out of "Rezko Lot"

Looks like the "Rezko Lot" is getting some grooming - via a reader:

Just wondering if you've gotten word or any updates on the clearing out of the Rezko lot? It looks like it has been cleared of trees, debris, high grass etc. starting at Roosevelt and up to about 14th Street. Over the last couple of days I have seen this same, sginle green excavation type equipment out there and this morning noticed there were two guys who seemed to be standing guard. I assume it is preparation for what is to come, whatever that may be. I have attached a picture which is pretty fuzzy as I was zoomed in.

Two different readers sent us some pictures:

Rezko Lot (South of Roosevelt and West of Clark)

As you may recall this amazingly large lot is part of a gigantic (undisclosed) development plan by prominent real estate group Related Midwest.  They haven't released many details about the plan, but last we heard we would see something in 2017.

This lot will also have the Wells-Wentworth connector running through it which is aimed at providing another north/south route to better connect the loop to south loop and chinatown.

It's unclear if the city or the developer (or both) are clearing out this lot.  Regardless it's definitely a sign of something to come.

(Hat tip:  SE& TP!)

Trump Swastika Stickers Seen in the South Loop

Via DNAinfo:

A South Loop woman posted this photo of a
swastika sticker to Facebook this week.
The neighborhood alderman says city
workers have been busy removing such
stickers in the neighborhood
since last month's election.

South Loop residents are reporting a rash of swastika stickers throughout their neighborhood.  

City workers have been "very, very good" at removing the swastika stickers from street signs and other places in the Downtown area, said Kevin Lampe, a spokesman for Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd).  

Anne Sheahan, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation, said its workers have been dispatched to take down the swastika stickers upon reports from neighbors.  

Personally, this one hits close to home both literally and figuratively.  My grandparents are holocaust survivors who endured life in concentration camps and were lucky to immigrate to our wonderful country.

The swastika is something to this day that conjures up tremendous heartache and pain for what they went through and what it symbolizes.

While we hope this is an isolated and limited occurrence in our neighborhood, it's undeniable that this hateful sentiment is permeating throughout our country (and world for that matter).

The pain we feel by this symbol is rooted in a horrific past mostly aimed at Jewish people (although others were certainly targeted by the Nazis).  The current wave of contemporary hate seems broader and aimed at various minorities - muslims, hispanics, african americans, jews and others.

We live in a wonderfully diverse neighborhood with all types of people, colors, religions and cultures.  We know the majority of our neighbors are true americans - tolerant and accepting of all.

But one thing we've learned over the years is that when you see hate, please stand up to it.  Whether that's reporting it to authorities or simply removing a sticker.  We as Americans are better than this.

(Hat tip:  NK!)

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Burner

(Hat tip: @Xaarlin)

Mercat a La Planxa Getting a Face-lift Starting in the New Year

Via Chicago Tribune:

There are few phrases more chilling for a restaurant than "closed for renovation," which often is code for "getting our stuff out before the landlord changes the locks." 

But management at Mercat a la Planxa, the 8-year-old Spanish restaurant inside the Blackstone Hotel (638 S. Michigan Ave.), assured that this renovation is, indeed, a renovation. 

"It will start Jan. 2 and last a couple of months," said general manager Andy Pishko. "It's pretty significant." 

Plans include expanded seating for both bars, and new dining-room furniture to move the restaurant from rustic to contemporary. A wall will be opened up to create a private seating area overlooking the hotel lobby, and a few cosmetic touches will give the dining room cleaner lines and a sleeker look.

Fear not, Mercat aficionados; the honeycomb room divider and the Gaudi-inspired art high on the walls will remain.

While it's good to hear they're not closing, it does mean two of the better restaurants on Michigan Avenue in this area will be closed.  Besides Mercat, the popular Brasserie by LM restaurant at the Essex Inn is closing for approximately two years to make way for their new tower.

Fun With Maps: Oh How the Sloop Has Developed...

Curbed Chicago posted a fun map thingy yesterday from Google maps showing how places have changed over the past 3 decades:

We’ve all heard the stories about Chicago’s stagnant population growth, but yet at the same time, the city is experiencing a construction boom that hasn’t been seen in years. The stats say that the city is changing, and now with satellite images from Google Earth, we can get a pretty good view of how exactly the city has developed over the years. Google teamed up with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab to create an interactive map tool which features 33 cloud-free comprehensive mosaics of the earth (Google says that over 5 million satellite images from over the past three decades were used to create these mosaics).

While their post has some fun then and now photo sliders, we really enjoyed clicking this link and play around with Google's Earth Engine.  Type in Chicago and zoom into the Sloop.  It's pretty fun to see Northerly Island transform over the years, or McCormick Place expand or the hundreds of buildings pop up in the neighborhood.  Try it out...it's a great Friday activity:

#SAVEKAYO Fliers Produce a Heartwarming Story

You may have seen these #SAVEKAYO fliers around the Sloop recently.  It's quite the story if you haven't:

The breeder of the company CHICAGO FRENCHIES (WWW.CHICAGOFRENCHIES.COM), IG:(@blueivyfrenchie) FB-(CHICAGO FRENCHIES) - Has stolen our dog KAYO that he sold to us in December 2015. Part of the deal for his rare color was to let him pick up kayo from time to time for photoshoots for his company. He picked our dog up with my permission on Monday November 7th at 2 p.m. - To take photos for his companys "sponsors". I haven't heard from him since. He has now blocked and ignored us on every platform. THIS IS A KIDNAPPING. We are beyond devastated, sad, and broken. Please try to help us get our dog back and spread the word. And maybe this won't happen to anyone else.

Well it appears that these fliers and the ABC I-Team have helped cracked the case:


Pretty crazy.  If you need some more pics of KAYO check out their instagram page.

(Hat tip: KC!)

Armand's Victory Tap Teams Up with Rosebud Vet for South Loop Location

Armand's Victory Tap has been open for a little bit at 1416 S. Michigan for a little bit now and judging by the Yelp reviews, seems to be doing pretty well (4.5 stars).

We haven't had a chance to give it a try, but did appreciate reading about it and how it's a revved up version of the suburban pizza chain (via Eater Chicago):

Earlier this year, when chef Joe Farina left his stint as Rosebud's corporate chef, he got in touch with childhood friend Tony Gambino to pursue a long-held dream of working together. Gambino, who owns the Armand’s Pizzeria chain of neighborhood pizza spots, wanted to expand and open a batch of full-service restaurants sporting the Armand’s name. Thus, Armand’s Victory Tap was born, combining Armand’s pizza with Farina’s Italian-American dishes. The first Victory Tap is now open in the City Tavern space that’s been vacant for two years at 1416 S. Michigan Ave. in the South Loop.   

Those familiar with Farina’s dishes at Rosebud—his meatballs, chicken parmesan and classics like shrimp DeJonge—should be comfortable with the menu at Victory Tap. "We’re using the same fresh ingredients," Farina said.  

While the location does plenty of pizza carry-out and delivery business, the dine-in menu deemphasizes those pies. Instead there’s a line of 10-inch appetizer pizzas, including several with olive oil bases. The offerings, like steak and seafood, are more upscale than what Armand’s diners are accustomed to—some Armand’s are tiny, only selling pizza slices. But Gambino and Farina haven’t installed upscale prices. The crispy lemon chicken at $29 is the priciest item on the menu. There are also 18 beers and 25 wines by the glass.