Prairie District Park Opened Yesterday at Prairie and 21st

A reader writes:

The Prairie District Park opened today (Sunday, July 30th) - located at Prairie and 21st. Great addition to the neighborhood!

(Hat tip:  EH!)

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Bright Reflections

(Hat tip: DL!)

Looks Like Cycmode is Having Their Grand Opening Today!

We just walked by 1333 S. Wabash... DJ is rocking and sign reads:

Cycmode Grand Opening Saturday July 29th 

Seems like that's today.

As a reminder we posted about this back in mid-June with some more info.

Best of luck to them.  If anyone checks out a class let us know what you think.

Bulldog Ale House Apparently Opening Today (For Realz?!?!?)

Well it appears we jumped the gun last Friday, but judging by the picture below, it seems like the opening for Bulldog Ale House is happening today:

If anyone goes, let us know how you like it!

Appears that Consignment Store Lofty Aspirations Closes at 1934 S. Wabash

A reader writes:

Walked by yesterday and there are for lease signs in the Lofty Aspirations window at 1934 S Wabash Ave. Looks like all the merchandise is gone too. Minus one on the counter... :-(

We've updated the business counter.

(Hat tip:  KS!)

WNBA's Chicago Sky Moving to the Wintrust Arena in the Sloop

Seems like a good move for the city and the Sky (via Crains):

Chicago's WNBA team is coming back to the city.

After an eight-year run playing its home games at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, the Chicago Sky will move to newly built Wintrust Arena next to McCormick Place, beginning with the 2018 season.

The Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, which owns and operates the new 10,387-seat home of DePaul University basketball, today approved a new five-year contract with the WNBA franchise to play its 17 home games each season at the Near South Side stadium.

Art of Pizza Coming to 727 S. State (Old Toppers Pizza Space)

Looks like we're getting another Pizza Spot:

New South Loop Pizza Place: Art of Pizza: In summary, in the South Loop location (Polk and State) where about one year old Topper's Pizza recently closed, another pizza place named "Art of Pizza" appears to be moving in (see pics).

My initial feeling is that it's ridiculous for another Pizza place to move in given that it is between 2 other pizza restaurants within about a block including popular Lou Malnati's. This is especially true since Topper's Pizza was at the location for about a year and opening that store may have been the "last straw" resulting in Topper's closing. I mentioned this to a friend of mine who initially agreed with me. He asked me the name of the new Pizza place and I said "Art of Pizza". His tune changed dramatically and informed me that "Art of Pizza" has phenomenal inexpensive pizza, had great reviews of their pizza, and the "Art of Pizza" other location on Ashland is a cash cow. Please note my friend is in the "glass" business (fixes broken storefront windows and the like) and knows and has done work for the owner of "Art of Pizza" but is honest and does not have an agenda!!

We echo the readers sentiment.  Seems excessive, but we'll see.  It does look like they have pretty high yelp score.

As a reminder Toppers Pizza closed at this location in February amid the franchise closing up shop.

Any thoughts on this one?

(Hat tip:  NR!)

Pokemon Go Fans Invade Grant Park and Sloop

Sounds like this past Saturday's Pokemon Go event in Grant Park didn't go so well (via Sun Times):

Grant Park was overrun Saturday with thousands of people who came out for Chicago’s Pokemon Go Fest, but technical glitches marred the proceedings, held to celebrate the popular game’s one-year anniversary.

“I know that some of you guys have had trouble getting logged on this morning, and I wanted to let you know that we’re working with the cell companies — AT&T, Sprint, Verizon — trying to get that worked out,” John Hanke, the chief executive officer of Niantic, Inc., which released Pokemon Go in July 2016, told the crowd at the lakefront park.

As a result it sounds like the neighborhood got influx of players:

Because of the problems, organizers allowed players to leave the park and still be able to find the rare Pokemon creatures that were supposed to be available only there. The boundaries were expanded to a two-mile radius that’s now supposed to be in effect through Monday morning. 

After that announcement, some left the park and could be seen wandering around the South Loop, gazing at their phones as they played the game.

Anyone notice this?

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: El-luvaView

(Hat tip: TC!)

Bulldog Ale House Opening Today?

A reader tips us on a potential opening:

I don't know if this will happen but I had emailed Bulldog Ale House to ask when they were opening and this was their reply. Having been by there Tuesday I don't know if they can make it by Friday but that was the goal.

Hi there thanks for reaching out. We are tentatively expecting to open Friday. See you there!

I guess we will see.  Regardless, good to see they're getting close.

If anyone goes to check it out, let us know.

(Hat tip:  PS!)

Render Reveals for Single Family Home (w/ Retail Space) at Dearborn/Polk

Rendering reveal for the single family home structure coming to the northeast corner of Dearborn/Polk in Priners Row (via Curbed):

An empty lot at the northeast corner of Dearborn and Polk in Chicago’s Printer’s Row is the site of a new mixed-use project from owner/architect Chris Talsma. Co-founder of Filoramo Talsma Architects, the designer recently landed a construction permit for a new four-story building containing ground floor commercial space topped by his personal single family residence.

As a reminder we first heard about this on May 30th when a reader sent us an email with this tip.  It appears it's definitely happening.  If you've been to this intersection you can already see the site prepping for the construction.

(Hat tip:  SC!)

Belly Up Smokehouse & Saloon Closed?

Lots of readers sending us some notes:

Called today to try and place a carry out order, no answer. 

Stopped by and they had paper in the windows??

We stopped by and saw the same thing:

As a reminder Belly Up opened in January of 2017 and we were pretty excited!

Anyone have any details on what's going on?  Having to endure major construction next door probably isn't easy on a restaurant.

(Hat tip:  NH, JH, TR, BD!)

New Kids Reading Room Opens at Harold Washington Library

As someone with a child who has been to the new library we can attest this is good (via Time Out Chicago):

Chicago just made an excellent investment in the future of the city. The Hughes Children’s Library at Harold Washington Library Center just got a massive makeover, making it a 24,000 square foot, 21st-century learner experience center. The South Loop flagship CPL location now boasts a whole host of activities aimed to encourage STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning for children under 13.

Hax & Gordo's Officially Open Today!Help Us Update our 2017 Business Counter

We have official word from one of the Hax/Gordo's owner that today is the official opening date for both spots (733 S. Dearborn and 729 S. Dearborn respectively):

Gordo's Ice Cream Bar

Hax will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. “We want to create a hang-out space where locals, students, Bears fans, and tourists alike can come together around good food & drink and enjoy each other’s company.” Says Hebson. Hax will also serve coffee, hand-spun shakes, and homemade pies. The Grand Opening party will feature a jazz band, the Willy Blair Trio, $3 Mai Tais, and free homemade pickles. “The pickles are actually free every day.” Says Hebson. “We just leave them out and let people help themselves.”  

Hax sister restaurant, Gordo’s Homemade Ice Cream Bars, located next door with a pass-thru to Hax, will also be open. In addition to customizable ice cream bars, Gordo’s serves homemade churros, expresso, lattes, and homemade desserts.

Now that we have official word of this opening, we've taken the opportunity to go back to our 2017 Business Counter and scrubbed it to ensure it's accurate (to the best of our knowledge).

A variety of doctor offices have opened on Michigan - Weissbluth Pediatrics (1471 S. Michigan),  EZ Dental (1466 S. Michigan) and Brighter Dental of South Loop (1620 S. Michigan).

Readers!  Can you help us out and let us know if we missed something?  Additionally, below is our list of potential businesses - can you help vet to ensure it's accurate?  Are any of these dead (like Blu Dog Stay Play spa)?

• 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)
• Pin me up (2411 S. Michigan)
• Natural Girl (1547 S. State)
• Big Shoulders Chicago (1449 S. Michigan)
• 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)
• Title Boxing (250 W. Roosevelt)
• TBD tattoo Parlor  (2008 S. Prairie)
• TBD Asian Restaurant (1234 S. Michigan)
• Lobo Rey (1307 S. Wabash)
• TBD Ramen Spot (1303 S. Michigan)
• TBD Deli Spot (755 S. Clark)
• Cycmode (1333 S. Wabash)
• TBD Medical Services Business (41 W. Congress)
• Athletico (State & Harrison)
• Himalayan Express (606 S. State)
• Royal Puppies (Cullerton and Wabash)

(Hat tip: AM!)

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Struck

(Hat tip: SY!)

Curbed Chicago: Renovation of Old Post Office Gets Key New Permit

Every time we've been by the old post office, it seems like there is a lot of stuff going on.  We've probably seen helicopters lifting stuff around the building over a dozen times in the last couple of months.  So good progress is happening!

Apparently the project got some key permits recently as well (via Curbed):

Construction on the ambitious renovation and restoration of Chicago’s long vacant Main Post Office continues in earnest as another big permit signals work on important mechanical and structural systems. According to the permit issued by the city yesterday, workers are cleared to go ahead and build new stairway enclosures while restoring other existing stairways. In addition, important safety systems like fire pumps, standpipe risers, and the electrical systems that support them are cleared for work. The estimated cost of the work approved in this latest permit is $11 million.

I guess we'll take Curbed's word that this is a good sign?

Does anyone have any other news about this project?  Still not sure what is moving in...

La La Land: Movies in the Park @ Women's Park This Saturday (7/15)

This is a great movie and this will likely be a great event (assuming the weather cooperates) - via PDNA Facebook Page:

Even if you don't like musicals, it's a good move:

>/center>

Is Grant Park the Proper Place for the Taste?

The Taste of Chicago recently wrapped up and we recently stumbled upon a strongly worded opinion piece from a South Loop resident about moving the Taste somewhere else (via Chicago Tribune):

I have lived in the South Loop for almost 10 years. During this period, I have seen this community grow and expand at a healthy pace, thus becoming only one of three community areas experiencing significant residential growth in Chicago. This trend continues with several high-rise buildings currently under construction, and others in the planning stages.

Regrettably, infrastructure improvements have not kept pace with the ensuing needs, particularly those having to do with the amelioration and prevention of traffic congestion. On several occasions throughout the year, traffic in the Loop and South Loop has become impassable and impossible.

There is more to the article and we suggest you read it to get the full point of view.  The resident finishes it with:

While I understand the need for the city to hold such events, I find the city’s complete and utter disregard for the impact these have on its residents and commuters quite inexcusable.

For years the city has promoted residential growth in the Loop and the South Loop. This expansion and these recreational events are no longer capable of coexisting as they did when the area was mostly business based. Now, and in the future, there is no longer sufficient space to accommodate both without major disruptions. The city should reassess what it’s doing in this area.

We definitely have felt the pain of increased traffic and congesting due to summer events, so understand the sentiment.  Is 15 days of street closures a little excessive for a 5 day festival?  Probably!

That being said, we also realize that living in the heart of a large, major American city comes with trade-offs (such as increased traffic and congestion due to these types of events).  

This is certainly not a black and white issue, but curious to hear what everyone thinks.  Do you agree with this Sloopin resident?

(Hat tip:  GM!)

Public Meeting for New Community Garden at 2401 S. Federal St.

Community Gardens are a nice thought!  If you agree and want to join one, this public meeting in August might be of interest (via Park No. 540 Facebook Page):

6-8 Year-Old Suspected of Robbing People with Gun in Bronzeville

This is just South of us, but it's so shocking - we had to share.  WTF (via CLTV):

Chicago police issued an alert for its Central District, which includes the Loop and Near South Side, after there were 11 armed robberies there in the month of June.

In the most recent case, around 8 p.m. on June 29, police say a six- to eight-year-old boy with a gun robbed someone.

Most of the robberies happened in broad daylight between 26th and 29th streets on south MLK Blvd., Michigan, and Indiana. Devi Gandhi, who has lived on the border of Bronzeville and the South Loop for the last 10 years, says the crime has progressively gotten worse. It's been so bad lately she has stopped inviting her friends and family to her condo building, she said.

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Pot of Gold Development?

(Hat tip: AW!)

Essex on the Park Gets Permit to Start Building Up!

Looks like Essex on the Park is a go to climb to its full height (via Curbed):

As work progresses on the lower portion of the 56-story Essex on the Park project in the South Loop, the City of Chicago has issued a permit authorizing the upcoming tower to rise to its full anticipated height of 607 feet. Replacing a rather unremarkable parking garage at 808 S. Michigan Avenue, the glassy high-rise broke ground across from Grant Park earlier this Spring. The completed tower will deliver 479 high-end rental apartments, ground floor retail space, and 84 well-concealed parking spaces.

Wintrust Arena Nearing Completion - Time to Get Blue Demon Season Tickets?

Love it or hate it, college basketball is coming to the Sloop.  If you're a fan, you may be interested in securing some tickets (via DePaul):

The Blue Demons are ramping up ticket sales with season tickets going on sale to the general public Wednesday. 

Season ticketholders can save as much as 50 percent over purchasing single-game tickets. Season ticket packages start as low as $10 a game which comes to $170 for 17 home games in the upper level of the new Wintrust Arena where the sightlines are remarkable. Lower level season-ticket packages start at $20 a game. 

For information on purchasing tickets, contact the DePaul ticket office at (773) 325-7526 or visit the DePaul Online Ticket Office. 

“We are trending in the right direction and selling new accounts every day,” said DePaul ticket director Marty Murphy. “We’re getting a great response from our new neighbors and friends in the South Loop.

The new Wintrust Arena looks pretty sweet - we definitely hope to make it to some games (or events).

Pure Barre Opens at 1336 S. Michigan

A reader writes:

After months of delays the Pure Barre on Michigan just north of Gioridanos opened Saturday July 1 and is offering free classes until July 5. I haven't taken class yet but the studio seems very nice as does the staff.

Happy 4th From Sloopin!

#ShotsAroundTheSloop: Colorful

(Hat tip: DH!)

The Sloopin Open House: 4 Bedrooms by New South Loop School

Families looking for space, this open house may be for you - a 4 bedroom townhouse at 49 W. 15th st Unit B.  It's listed at $899K so ain't cheap and frankly is rather unremarkable...but it's got space and it's close to the proposed South Loop school - which is probably a selling point we would assume: