Sloopin - A South Loop Blog

Bevello, a Women's Fashion Retailer, Signs Lease at Roosevelt Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:13:00 +0000

Bevello store in Richmond, VA (image from Her Late Night Cravings)

Roosevelt Collection continues to add tenants to their retail space. Last month it was Bridgeport Coffee House and on Friday last week it was announced that (via Crain's):

Bevello LLC, a women's fashion retailer with a heavy footprint in the South, plans to open a store in the Roosevelt Collection, its second in the Chicago area.

The Raleigh, N.C.-based firm leased 2,800 square feet in the apartment-and-retail complex at Roosevelt Road and Wells Street in the South Loop, according to Niki Cordell, senior leasing associate for Chicago-based McCaffery Interests Inc., which owns the property. Ms. Cordell declined to comment on lease terms.

Based on our most recent count, this is the eleventh business to announce they're coming to RC. While we're still unsure about when most of these stores will open, it was reported that H&M and Fleet Feet were targeting a spring opening.

It's spring and last we checked they weren't open. Does anyone go to or live by Roosevelt Collection and know if these stores are on track for an opening soon?

Shots Around the Sloop: Detail

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:37:00 +0000

(Hat tip: CS!)

Do This: Jazzing at the Shedd

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:56:00 +0000

We've done it before and we will do it again (via Chicagoist):

Get cultured, sip cocktails and listen to jazz underneath the evening sky at one of two Chicago museum terraces every week this the summer. The choice is yours, Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art, or Wednesdays at the Shedd Aquarium. Both have announced their outdoor summer jazz series beginning next month.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd invites sealife lovers and jazz aficionados alike to relax on their lakeside terrace on Wednesdays this summer. They haven’t released their lineup yet, but the season will run from June 26 through September 4. Tickets will be $18 for adults, $16 for kids as part of an all-access pass to the museum including the original galleries, Wild Reef and Abbott Oceanarium exhibits. Upgrades are available to experience the popular Stingray Touch and Jellies exhibits. 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive.

City Council Passes Amendment Allowing British School of Chicago to Build Behind Roosevelt Collection?

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:02:00 +0000

Renderings of British School of Chicago
behind Roosevelt Collection

It appears that we're ending this week with some hotly discussed and controversial neighborhood topics. Yesterday it was the DePaul arena and today it's an email we received about the British School of Chicago:

Heads up, the city council just passed the amendment allowing the BSC to build behind the Roosevelt Collection.

Enrique Perez
Dennis McClendon
Tim Jeffries

All spoke against, 3 others put their names against w/o speaking.

There were about 40 BSC parents in attendance and roughly 10 patents and community advocates spoke in favor of the amendment.

If you remember there has been a lot of debate on Sloopin and around the neighborhood about this potentially development.

Besides getting this email yesterday we haven't read that this is true. Can anyone corroborate this?

(Hat tip: AR!)

The Big Stadium Reveal: Emanuel Announces Projects for McCormick Place/Motor Row Area

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:24:00 +0000

Plans for new "Event Center" and Hotels on Cermak

After months of speculation, debate, objections, praise and everything else in between, Mayor Emanuel is officially unveiling some major projects slated for the Motor Row/Prairie District/McCormick Place area (via Crain's):

A final deal has been struck to build a 10,000-seat arena across the street from McCormick Place that will be the new home of the DePaul Blue Demons basketball team and host smaller conferences, meetings, concerts and other sporting events. As part of that undertaking, a 500-room hotel will be erected kitty-corner from a 1,100-room "headquarters" hotel that already had been announced.

For those of us who have been diligently following this, broadly speaking there isn't much new news. The price-tag is high ($177 million for the stadium construction and land), but lower than what was reported earlier in the week.

If this plan takes shape, the south side of the Sloop is in for some colossal changes. There will be some additional press conferences later in the day and from what it sounds like there are still a lot of hurdles to get over. Stay thirsty my friends...

Two "Official" Food Truck Locations Coming to the Sloop?

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:39:00 +0000

Image from Chicago Tribune

Food trucks have been the rage all across the country (and world) for awhile now, but the city of Chicago is still in the process of rolling out "official" food truck locations.

Back in fall of 2012, city council officially passed an ordinance allowing for 21 official food truck spots across the city. The only one in our neck of the woods was at Buckingham fountain (437 S. Columbus).

Well last week a couple news sources were reporting that Rahm would be proposing some new locations bringing the total up to 30. As you could probably guess from the title of the post, two of them are in the Sloop:

825 S. Canal
65 E. Harrison St

While Harrison we understand, we're left shaking our head about 825 S. Canal. It's a couple blocks North of Roosevelt and all the retail action. It also doesn't seem to get a lot of foot traffic. Maybe we're missing something.

Mayor Emanuel Set to Announce $300 Million DePaul Stadium by McCormick Place?

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:29:00 +0000

We're going to wait patiently until this comes to fruition, but for those of you who are interested in the drama surrounding whether or not DePaul's basketball team will get a stadium in Motor Row, reports from yesterday evening were juicy (via Chicago Sun-Times):

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to announce this week plans for a $300 million 12,000-seat arena for DePaul University at McCormick Place — a proposal that will call for millions in taxpayer dollars, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times.

The mayor will also announce plans to build two mega hotels on McPier property in the hopes of aggressively growing convention and meeting business in Chicago.

The article is behind their "register-wall", but it's worth a read if you're willing to register.

If you've been following this story over the past couple of months you know that it's taken its fair share of twists and turns. While this sounds pretty solid, we're going to take a wait and see approach.

Regardless, pretty big news if this ends up being true.

What do you think? Is this a done deal or is this just the latest twist in a heavily charged political tussle?

(Hat tip: JA & KO!)

Columbia's Annual Manifest Festival Hits the Sloop This Friday (5/17)

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:47:00 +0000

We're huge fans of all that Columbia brings to the Sloop and every year their Manifest festival bursts onto the streets of the neighborhood. It's definitely a unique event (from their website):

On May 17, Columbia College Chicago will celebrate the work of its more than 2,000 graduating students with its annual urban arts festival. From art exhibitions to readings, from original designs to singer showcases, the talent will spill out from Columbia’s South Loop Campus and onto the streets, with main stage performances from student bands creating the musical backdrop to the Manifest 2013 showcase.

A free event, and open to the public, Manifest 2013 is made possible through the contributions of its sponsors and the creativity and gifts of the Columbia faculty and graduating student body. The all-day event marks the 13th year of the festival, and it will be filled with engaging, thought-provoking and playful art, music and visuals that showcase the talent and creativity of Columbia students.

Shots Around the Sloop: 2012 Airshow

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sun, 12 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

(Hat tip: CS!)

Recently on the Sloopin Message Board....

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:55:00 +0000

Good discussions on the Sloopin message board:

Corner State/Cermak by KO
Fun event in the sloop Curiosity Conference by Slooper
Loud Banging Noise all day long by Chris
Concert fundraiser for New Orleansby Billy Puckett
Trattoria Caterina by Michael
South loop/near south sports leagues? by BD
Wooden Houses at the Grand Central Station Site by JB
Art Corridor on 8th @Wabash by susan
New building at 18th & Wentworth? by s0nginmyheart
pick up ultimate frisbee? by A-Rouss
The Lex is being sold by LexTenant
I vouch for Bridgeport Coffee - motor row resident by Sloopr
Mover recommendations by Moovin
Nepal House by Chris
Is there really nothing we can do about the late night CTA work? by SloopDoggyDog
Congress lighting display by Dennis McClendon
Construction - SW Corner of Clark/Polk by johnepark
Summer Festival Guide by MarkChicago
Construction @ Grenshaw/Clintonby anonamoose
Caribou on 8th and Wabash...closing? by bingo
Bootcamp? by K
CPA Recommendations? by SloopReviews
Whole Foods opening Bar & Wine area by Sloopr

Indique Hair Opens at 1922 S. Wabash

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:02:00 +0000

We were recently strolling down Wabash on a nice spring evening and randomly noticed a new shop that opened at 1922 S. Wabash - Indique Boutique (see pic on the right).

Upon some additional research on the interwebs we noticed they were recently featured on Racked Chicago:

Chicago will be home to the newest Indique Boutique, which houses an internationally sold brand of hair extensions. Stop by the new location on South Wabash for the grand opening on May 11.

They're actually having a grand opening event including snacks, prizes and giveaways.

While we weren't familiar with Indique, they apparently have a couple other locations on the east coast.

Best of luck and welcome to the neighborhood!

Pretty Donkey Coffee Coming to 77 E. Cermak

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:31:00 +0000

With a name like Pretty Donkey Coffee, you have to be pretty confident that your shop is going to be good because the name isn't helping it. A reader writes:

Hey Sloopin-

Keep fighting the good fight. Have you noticed that Pretty Donkey Coffee is planning a location on Cermak between CD One Cleaner and Velvet Lounge?

Website is below- they already list the sloop location. http://www.prettydonkeycoffee.com/directions.html

Well that's an interesting name if we've ever heard one.

Also, we hope their website is just a template because the title says "Pretty Donkey Coffee and Income Tax Service".

Anyway, a coffee shop would be great for this area and as far as we know there isn't really a coffee shop along this stretch. The closest we know of is Overflow Coffee and that's at 16th and State (not exactly close).

Good luck to Pretty Donkey Coffee and welcome to the Sloop!

(Hat tip: VG!)

Thredz Bar is Open! They Just Moved Locations

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:21:00 +0000

Just last week we got a tip from a reader who thought Thredz Brow Bar might have closed. We gave them a call and the phone was disconnected. Well apparently they're still open and just moved a little further South:

Hi Sloopin,

I was disheartened to hear that you are spreading the word that Thredz is closed. we have moved to 2251 S Michigan Ave, inside Marimarshe Salon. Our move was not sudden as our clients were informed a month before the move. We also had almost daily communications via social media and Belly sent notices to over a thousand clients that check in with us. Thankfully most of our clients have continued to support us as it is a pleasure doing business in the South Loop. Our website also reflects the changes. Please know that we are still alive and well, and would appreciate it if you would share this with your audience

Thank you,
Rhonda Owner
Thredzbrowz.com

So there you have it. They're still open, just moved down a couple of blocks!

Bureau Bar Provides More Details About Their Concept

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:23:00 +0000

There has been some healthy discussion about Bureau Bar, the proposed local bar angling to open at 75 E. 16th street.

We didn't know much about the place, but received this brief description from them:

At Bureau Bar, we are committed to a standard of excellence that provides our “neighborhood family” with a memorable experience, and just a few steps away from home. With an amazing cocktail list served up by our wonderful bartenders and mixologists, an awesome variety of craft brews, and a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere that rivals your favorite hideaway, Bureau Bar is sure to be top of your list for an after work pit stop, a cozy night out, or just an amazing time with colleagues and friends. More exciting, Bureau Bar gives you everything you can want in a neighborhood bar, we make you feel like you are at home.

It sounds like the hold up on them opening is due to objections around their liquor license. If you would like to support them, they're soliciting signatures for their online petition:

Petition in support of Bureau Bar LLC’s tavern Liquor license

We the residents and legal voters within the South Loop Communities support Bureau Bar LLC, who has applied for a tavern liquor license for the proposed location of (75 east 16th street) We are in support of Bureau Bar LLC receiving the tavern liquor license required.

Out With the Old; In With the New Italian Restaurant at 616 S. Dearborn?

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

There has beens some discussion on the Sloopin message board about Trattoria Caterina (616 S. Dearborn) closing in Printer's Row. We walked by recently and can confirm that brown paper is on the windows and it appears to be closed.

With that in mind a reader writes in:

FYI I live in the 600 S Dearborn building and noticed construction taking place at the old Italian restaurant in printer's row. I asked the door man and was told another Italian restaurant is going in. Supposedly the new owners are from Italy and speak w an accent :-).I believe the name of the restaurant is going to be Sofia or something similar. Maybe you can get more info. I'm very excited!

Has anyone heard anything similar?

(Hat tip: V8!)

Shots Around the Sloop: Sun Down

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sun, 05 May 2013 12:45:00 +0000

(Hat tip: CS!)

Poll: Most Sloopers Commute to the Loop

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:02:00 +0000

Nuovo Aesthetics & Smartlipo Coming to 2037 S. Indiana; Thredz Brow Bar Closed

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:10:00 +0000

A reader writes:

New shop opening soon. It also looks like Theadz Brow Bar right next door has closed but I can't confirm.

Interesante...what's smartlipo?

On a different note, we gave a quick ring to Thredz, but the number on their website was disconnected. As a result, we're chalking this one up to a closed business.

(Hat tip: VE!)

It's Official: Penguins Are Coming to Soldier Field to Play the Hawks on March 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:58:00 +0000

The 2013 playoffs are underway and the Hawks had a solid win on Tuesday night. While we all know a Stanley Cup is the goal for the current Hawk crew, it's now official that next year's team will look to win a historic outdoor game at Soldier Field on March 1st versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

While some will chastise the NHL and Hawks brass for making the "outdoor game" a gimmick, we don't care. It's not the best hockey viewing experience, it's not the best hockey playing experience, but it's a fun time and something we will definitely be looking forward to.

Yes, watching college teams at Soldier Field this year was fun, the Hawks versus the Pens will be much more compelling with a much larger crowd.

City Segway Tours Moving to the Sloop

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:05:00 +0000

If you're an avid reader of Sloopin you probably know we have "mixed" feelings on Segways. While they're conceptually interesting, when you see people zooming down the street it's hard not to chuckle.

Well regardless of our views on Segways, a new business is moving down to the Sloop and yes their core product is Segway tours. City Segway Tours is moving down to the retail space at 910 S. Michigan (from 400 E. Randolph).

And while we might scoff at Segways, it's clear that they do serve a purpose and they do provide a good way for tourists to quickly zip around our city to see the sights.

Ironically, we were watching the highly entertaining CBS Sunday Morning show this past Sunday and saw this comical segment on innovative "flops". What was the first product featured? You guessed it the Segway:

great stuff!

Chicago Architecture Blog Provides New Details on "One Triple Three South Wabash"

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:55:00 +0000

Chicago Architecture Blog provides some new rendering and some tidbits on the proposed rental tower dubbed "One Triple Three South Wabash":

Image via Chicago Architecture Blog

Some tidbits from the article:

There will be no curb cuts on Wabash Street. All loading and vehicular access will be through the alley running parallel to South Michigan and South Wabash Avenues.
3,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Probably a single shop.
100% green roof on the tower.
Common area on the podium roof, with a dog run.
Facade is all glass. Using a combination of opaque, clear, and translucent panels. The previous plan had reflective glass, too, but this has been eliminated. The various panels will be arranged in a seemingly random pattern so the building is more visible to birds.
The glass podium of the facade will be backlit at night so the building casts a soft glow onto Wabash Avenue.
65% of the apartments will have one bedroom and be about 700 square feet with rents around $1,750.
30% of the apartments will have two bedrooms and be about 1,200 square feet with rents around $2,300.
5% of the apartments will have three bedrooms.
The developer hopes to get city approval next month, and start construction in the fall.
The first people should be able to move in a year after construction starts.
The building is expected to take 18 months to build.
No public parking is planned.

For some historical context on this land and what was planned to be here check out this old Sloopin post.

(Hat tip: BM!)

Some New Art for the Wabash Arts Corridor at 8th and Wabash

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:35:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago we wrote about the Wabash Art's Corridor. With that in mind, a lecturer from Columbia sent us the following email:

Dear Sloopin blog,

Hope all is well with you. Wanted to let you know that an Interdisciplinary Arts grad class at Columbia created a new temporary art installation at the Papermaker's Garden, located at 8th and Wabash.

I was the instructor so please be in touch if you'd like more info. I have attached some of my own images FYI.

Thank you for your consideration,

Fereshteh Toosi Lecturer
Columbia College Chicago

Shots Around the Sloop: Divergent

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:43:00 +0000

We've had a lot of questions about what's going on at the southwest corner of Wells and Harrison over the past couple of weeks. It even garnered some good conversation on the message board.

In case you didn't know, a new movie is shooting in the lot called Divergent. A reader recently sent us this pic of the set build out:

Here is a recent quick blurb we found when googling the movie (via Entertainment Weekly):

Divergent, the highly anticipated adaptation of the first book in Veronica Roth’s best-selling YA series, only recently began filming on location in Chicago. But Shailene Woodley, who stars as heroine Beatrice “Tris” Prior, tells EW that the younger members of the Neil Burger-directed movie — which includes Ashley Judd, Kate Winslet, Theo James and Zoë Kravitz — have already clicked. “It’s a good group,” she says. “We’re hanging out on weekends, celebrating birthdays. Everyone just wants to get to know one another. It’s rare to get a big group together and not have any conflicts. It’s really kind of amazing.”

Divergent takes place in a dystopian future where society is divided up into five factions.

(Hat tip: CPM!)

Acadia Brings Their Fine Dining to Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:43:00 +0000

The creative culinary minds at Acadia (1639 S. Wabash) are bringing their talents to the morning:

Acadia will be serving brunch on Sundays only, starting April 28th from 11am - 2pm . Acadia is offering a three course tasting menu for $35 a person. Guest will have a choice of four starting courses and a choice of four main courses and everyone will receive a seasonal tart as dessert .

Some first course menu items are:
Cured Salmon, Corn Johnny Cake, Curried Egg Salad, Creme Fraiche, caviar
Scotch Duck Egg, Mustard Aioli, Wild Watercress

Second Course Items include:
Lobster Eggs Benedict, Truffle Hollandaise, Serrano, Country Potatoes

Acadia Burger - Gruyere Cheese. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Mornay, Bacon Onion Jam, Butter Pickles

Sounds like a pretty interesting and delicious way to start a Sunday!

Investor Buys Vacant Office Building on South Michigan; Rental Units Expected

noreply@blogger.com (Sloopy) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:39:00 +0000

More rental units most likely coming to the Sloop. In case you missed this story last week here is a blurb and link from Crain's:

Image from Crain's

Apartment investor Marc Realty Residential LLC paid $4.7 million for a vacant seven-story office building in the South Loop, a property poised for conversion to housing.

An affiliate of the Chicago-based company acquired the 146,088-square-foot loft building at 2036 S. Michigan Ave., once home to a Studebaker showroom. MRR declined to discuss its plans for the property, but the firm specializes in rental housing. CBRE Inc., the brokerage that sold the building, pitched it “as an excellent adaptive reuse for conversion to a variety of uses including residential or self-storage.”

A redevelopment would make sense given the South Loop’s transformation into a residential neighborhood, a process that sped up during the condominium boom of the last decade. The state of Illinois rented space in the building for decades but moved out in 2011.

It's not surprising to see this and while retail development is still slow, things are bound to pick up as the green line stop at Cermak becomes a reality.