Meet Sloopy

06/18/2009 8:55 AM

By Micah Maidenberg
Editor

Sloopy, shown here looking toward the skyline, publishes Sloopin.com, a blog about the South Loop.

I stumbled onto Sloopin.com while lost in a maze of Google searches one day this spring and have been reading ever since. Featuring photographs, surveys and an oft-updated blog about everything from real estate to restaurants, the Olympics and CTA, the site offers a daily take on South Loop issues and events.
I've been e-mailing with Sloopy, the site's publisher, and he agreed to answer some questions about the site over e-mail. He's staying anonymous for now, using a collective editorial voice for the site (read below for a fuller explanation).
I'm planning to reach out to more bloggers on the Near South and Near West Side and feature them on this blog I've got going, Near Loop Wire. Any thoughts on who should be next? E-mail me at mm@chicagojournal.com or leave a comment below.
Here's my e-interview with Sloopy:

Why did you start Sloopin and what are your goals with the site? When did the site go live?
We started Sloopin because in our opinion there wasn’t a central place online where we could get information about the South Loop. Before we moved to the neighborhood we did a lot of research and found a ton of great information, but the problem was that we had to search all over the place to get what we were seeking. We had some friends that lived in the South Loop and knew they were always looking for news and information about the neighborhood but weren’t getting it consistently enough.
When we went live on Monday September 22, 2008 the goal for the site was relatively simple: try to be a resource for people interested in the South Loop. It’s evolved a little but hopefully we’re staying true to the course and providing interesting links, entertaining content and an informative experience for our readers.

How does the site operate - is there a team pitching in, or just one person?
The site is primarily edited by one person (Sloopy), but we get tips, opinions and leads from various friends and acquaintances (I guess you could call it ‘our board’). We try to consult others prior to posting but that doesn’t always happen due to the urge to get content up quickly.
We also like to rely on our readers for help with content, tips, pictures and opinions. We’ve had some of them sign up to be guest bloggers or simply contribute ideas and content (such as pictures, news links, etc.).

Did you take any inspiration from other neighborhood-centric blogs in Chicago or other cities?
Initially the inspiration came from Andrew Sullivan, who is a great political blogger at the Atlantic. As Sloopin evolved, we did interact and get inspiration from various Chicago blogs such as Chicagoist, YoChicago, CTA Tattler and most recently Uptown Update. It’s definitely been a learning process, but something we’ve truly enjoyed.

What do you think such blogs bring to the communities they cover?
In our opinion these types of blogs provide a unique and unconventional voice within their respective neighborhoods. They also tend to fill a void or provide interesting and/or engaging content people are seeking. They also seem to be more agile and quick to post about stories and observations since they don’t have to go through the ringer that typical news outlets require. Obviously this can be seen as a good or bad thing depending on your point of view.

Do you live in the South Loop, and if so, for how long? What drew you to the neighborhood? Any other biographical details you can share? And why is anonymity important for you?
Yes, I personally live in the South Loop and have for about a year and a half. I was drawn to the South Loop for a variety of reasons, but initially it was a simple fascination with a “new” neighborhood. The more I visited and the more I read about the neighborhood, the more it appealed to me. It’s already a great neighborhood, but I also see a ton of potential here and in my opinion that’s exciting.
We’ve chosen to stay anonymous for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it’s supposed to be about a collective view on the South Loop; not an individualistic one. Personally, I liked the idea of a collective voice (such as the Economist or editorial pieces in newspapers). Although Sloopin isn’t always a collective voice and by no means as good or as professional as some of the examples we just gave, we strive to get different opinions and perspectives in our posts.
In regards to myself (Sloopy), I do have a wide range of experience around the world of journalism, however I don’t really consider myself a journalist (and it wasn’t what I studied in college). In high school I was an editor for the school newspaper. In London, I worked in the marketing department for USA Today. In college, I was in charge of circulation and distribution for the university’s daily newspaper and currently I work in advertising and marketing so I deal with a wide variety of media outlets.
‘Our board’ has a diverse background, but almost all of them live in the South Loop or are very knowledgeable about the area.

What do you see as the main issues that exist in the neighborhood?
Parking, Gentrification and Real Estate seem to be the main issues we hear about and read about.

Any predictions for how some of those issues will play out over the next couple of years?
Parking is always going to be an issue (and seems to be a problem with many neighborhoods in the city). Hopefully the aldermen and city officials ensure that developers provide options especially in areas where high-rises are going up. Unfortunately, our guess is that parking isn’t going to get better, just worse.
Gentrification is always a touchy subject. The South Loop has changed so much in the past 10-15 years with the real estate boom that many businesses and residents simply can’t afford to live in the area anymore. This seems to be a trend that will continue as it seems as if the city is committed to making the neighborhood increasingly desirable.
Real estate goes hand in hand with gentrification, but everyone read and heard about how the South Loop grew during the real estate boom. With the economy and market going south, this has definitely put a strain on the real estate prospects in the neighborhood. However, this shouldn’t take anything away from the neighborhood. The South Loop is a diverse, dynamic and interesting neighborhood that continues to evolve. It’s close to the best that Chicago has to offer: Lake Michigan, Grant Park, world class museums, the Loop, public transportation and major highways to name a few highlights. At the end of the day, not many neighborhoods can say they have this, so we feel that the real estate prospects are great in the long term.

How do you think a 2016 Olympic games would impact the South Loop and Near South Side?
The 2016 Olympic Games are something we love to watch closely on Sloopin as we selfishly think the games would speed up the development within the neighborhood. Everyone we talk to who doesn’t live in the South Loop thinks that we just want to rent out our condos to rich foreigners during the Olympics, but to be honest that would just be gravy in our opinion.
There are two big reasons why we think the Olympics would benefit the South Loop and Near South Side. First, infrastructure projects would be fast tracked. Whether it’s CTA stops or street improvements or park improvements, everything would happen quicker because of the 2016 date. Second, it would provide a lot of great exposure for the neighborhood, which hopefully would result in an influx of retail. The one big knock historically on the South Loop is that it doesn’t have the retail of a Gold Coast or Lincoln Park. Or that it doesn’t have the night life of a Wicker Park or River North. Although it has been getting better, we feel like this will really pick up because of the exposure and attention of the Olympics.
Does the neighborhood have to have the Olympics? No, but it would speed up the development for sure.

Ten years from now, which current Chicago neighborhood will the South Loop most resemble? Which neighborhood would you like it to resemble?
To be honest, most Sloopers will tell you that they want the neighborhood to be its own, unique place. Most people who live in the South Loop live here because it has its own vibe and isn’t like Wrigleyville or Bucktown or Old Town. We love the neighborhoods within Chicago, but hopefully the South Loop continues to evolve and be its own distinct place. That’s not really answering the question, but it’s the truth.
In ten years, we think the South Loop might actually resemble an area in Manhattan more so then another neighborhood in Chicago. The greater South Loop neighborhood has a lot of similar characteristics as the Gramercy/Union Square/East Village/Chinatown neighborhoods in Manhattan (which are also all right next to each other).
For instance, Gramercy is a very exclusive and posh area of New York which could maybe correlate to the Prairie District or some of the premium high-rises on Roosevelt and Michigan. Union Square and the East Village are bustling with NYU buildings and college students. This trend is very similar to what we’re seeing with the northern parts of the South Loop where schools like Columbia, Roosevelt University and Robert Morris are expanding and students are flocking. Chinatown is an obvious comparison.

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By Brenda Lee Reed
Posted: 05/06/2013 10:29 PM

I hope to meet him soon. I am really interested on his story and all about it. - Brenda Lee Reed

By Helen Kaplow from South Loop
Posted: 07/06/2009 10:44 AM

(cont.) So, while prices have certainly risen in recent years as this area has become "hot," and while this now upscale community is currently experiencing growing pains that share some similarities with gentrified neighborhoods, the connotation of the term does not fit our history. And we take special pride in our history. For what I think is a very good article about the history of this neighborhood, check out: http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/southloop/history/

By Helen Kaplow from South Loop
Posted: 07/06/2009 10:42 AM

Sloopy, in arguing the Meriam Webster technicalities to defend yourself, you're missing the larger concept. It is a point of pride to many South Loopers that we do not come from gentrification: we are not spoilers; we are pioneers. We didn't push anybody out. This area, with Printers Row at the heart, had been industrial, not residential. We came to an abandoned, desolate area of the city and rebuilt it, often with our own hands, converting empty and condemned warehouses into landmark residences

By Sloopy from South Loop
Posted: 06/27/2009 7:30 PM

Old Timer, thanks for the discussion on "gentrification" because it is important to make sure people are clear on this topic. The word means different things to different people. It's great that the SL hasn't displaced as many people or businesses as other neighborhoods, but personally when I read the definition of gentrification it sounds very similar to what is happening in the SL. I plan on posting something on Sloopin soon about this topic and would love for your perspective to be heard.

By Sloopy from South Loop
Posted: 06/27/2009 7:13 PM

"In 2006, Audrey Johnson was shuttled out of her unit at 2420 S. State Street at Harold Ickes homes on the near South side and told she would be able to move back in once it was rehabbed. Later that year, her husband and her four children were told to move again with the same promise - they could come back to their building once construction was done. The trouble is construction never started. And now she's learned those buildings are going to be razed."

By Old Timer from South Loop
Posted: 06/26/2009 10:29 PM

Just read the CBS article. I think you're comparing apples to oranges here. The quote: "...more than 5,000 African Americans have moved out of a ward that once elected Oscar DePriest, the first African-American alderman in Chicago history" concerns the 2nd Ward, not just the South Loop. Take a look at a 2nd Ward map and you will find gentrification on the Near West Side, but I still stand by my remarks that the area commonly defined as the South Loop has NOT been gentrified.

By Old Timer from South Loop
Posted: 06/26/2009 10:21 PM

I'll take a look at the CBS video later, but as for Howie's and, I believe you're thinking of The Laughing Iguana (LI), neither in my opinion qualifies as gentrification. Both came in with the influx of middle-class and affluent folks, neither was here before I was (~13 years). IMHO, neither could sustain their businesses because, in the case of LI just plain ol' not enough critical mass (i.e., not enough shoppers to spend money) -- and Howie's tanked because it just wasn't very good.

By Sloopy from South Loop
Posted: 06/26/2009 2:38 PM

Here is a link from a CBS 2 article: http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/2nd.ward.madeline.2.336088.html At the end of the day we're arguing about the definition of gentrification. I realize you're arguing that people/businesses weren't displaced. However, from what I'm read and seen this is happening (even though the scale might not be as drastic). However, the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people is happening in the South Loop!

By Sloopy from South Loop
Posted: 06/26/2009 2:23 PM

I've spoken to two small businesses that recently closed their doors due to increasing rents (Howies and another boutique on Wabash just down the street, can't remember the name). The tearing down of the Harold Ickes Homes are a product of gentrification. According to CBS2, 5,000 African Americans have moved out of the ward, yet the SL pop has increased by over 7K. Gentrification in the SL might not be as bad as other neighborhoods, but it's still an issue for the hood and will continue.

By Daniel
Posted: 06/25/2009 6:18 PM

Stop while you are behind Sloopin guy. You have been here a whole 18 months and you are going to tell the history to people who have lived through the change for 10-20 years. There was almost no displacement at all for any permenant residents in the South Loop and Near South. Most if not almost all the buildings were either vacant, in commercial or storage use, and most of the land was vacant. Two homeless centers were built, and one public housing complex was landmarked and rebuilt.

By Old Timer from South Loop
Posted: 06/25/2009 3:52 PM

Sloopy, not a problem "outing" you ;-) As for gentrification, I've personally been in the area 15 years and can say that I know of no "poorer residents or businesses" being displaced. All I've seen is commercial properties and/or vacant lands being sold at huge profits to developers. If you can provide specifics of displacement - as you have defined it - please do so. As for all your other points on your blog, please keep up the good work.

By Sloopy from South Loop
Posted: 06/25/2009 11:31 AM

Congrats on cracking the code about my identity. But you're wrong about gentrification: the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents and businesses Although gentrification in the SL might not be as drastic as other neighborhoods, it's still happening. We realize it's easy to be cynical, but we are not affiliated with another website. We simply are a resource for the SL.

By Daniel
Posted: 06/24/2009 9:54 AM

Have to disagree with you Helen. In my opinion, this is purely a commercial endevour; I am going to guess it was started by an existing media or website group or organization (community?). The "We" bit is false advertising; hard to be credible blog if the blogs owner and writer(s) are not disclosing his conflicts or affiliations. I find it 'cheesy' to report others people's information or rumors, but then claim no accountability when the info is bogus. Does not seem well informed either

By Helen from South Loop
Posted: 06/24/2009 9:24 AM

Okay, perhaps Sloopy misspoke when using the word "gentrification." But that does not negate some of the other interesting and observant things he said. I especially liked his comparison of the South Loop to the Gramercy/Union Square/East Village/Chinatown neighborhoods in Manhattan. And the Sloopin site itself is excellent. It's good to have such as site in our 'hood. Thanks Micah for bringing our attention to it, and thanks Sloopy for making a contribution to the South Loop.

By Old Timer from South Loop
Posted: 06/23/2009 10:23 AM

Have to agree with Daniel. Gentrification means displacing others -- has not happened in the South Loop unless you consider displacing train tracks gentrification. And Micah, while you are almost always on point, this time I feel you dropped the ball by not identifying "Sloopy" -- a quick Whois search reveals a guy by the name of Ryan Schuster registered the domain, and is a media manager at a local company. So if it's that easy for a reader to figure it out, why not just say it.

By Daniel from Printers Row South Loop
Posted: 06/21/2009 10:50 PM

Gentrification? This guy has no clue about what he is talking about. There was hardly anybody living in the South Loop in 10-15 years ago, and little if any displacement resulted from the South Loop evolution. Kicking out homeless guys is not gentrification. Real gentrification is taking place in Pilson and West Loop, block by block. My guess is he is affiliated with another website looking to break-off into a new direction, and he needs to stay anonymous.