With demolition complete on a big chunk of the Roosevelt Collection’s unused retail, the South Loop development’s new owner is showing off plans for the new green space that will debut next year.

The island of vacant buildings in the middle of the horseshoe-shaped building was torn up earlier this year, and new owner McCaffery Interests is planning on landscaping it and installing a plaza by sometime next year. The company-released renderings, shown at right, were recently displayed at a Near South Planning Board banquet.

But McCaffery officials also said they’re getting ready to make another big announcement soon: new retail tenants.

Currently, the only business operating out of the space is the Kerasotes Showplace Icon movie theater. But McCaffery said they’ve got letters of intent from several businesses to negotiate lease terms, and are preparing an announcement in the next few weeks.

“We’re very encouraged with the level of interest,” said Managing Director Clayton McCaffery. “As the retail environment continues to show signs of positive recovery and positive sales, we’re very confident that the South Loop will be a center of focus.”

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By LEE from SLOOP
Posted: 05/02/2012 3:55 PM

BRIANBOBCAT -- you say you wouldn't want to live here yet without more retail, so then where is your luxury apartment that sits atop retail and a movie theatre in Chicago?? NOWHERE.. because it doesn't exist. RC is a beautiful property already, and will be even more fantastic when complete.

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By Tom.D from West Town
Posted: 11/28/2011 3:03 PM

I used to have the same reaction to areas where you could remove auto traffic - just get rid of it! But there are now more than two decades of experience with "pedestrianizing" areas - it's doesn't work well. We actually prefer (voting with our purchase dollars) areas that have at least a little auto traffic over pure pedestrian areas. Also, that courtyard is a tough sell for retail. A membership gym would make sense, but a sandwich shop? Not much foot traffic/visibility from Roosevelt.

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By Brianbobcat
Posted: 11/18/2011 1:54 PM

The cars shouldn't be the main focus of our discussion right now. Sure that plaza look really nice being all parkway, but right now it's not limiting anything. The sidewalks are plenty wide for cafes and outdoor seating. Getting tenants should be the real concern. What happened to the gym that moved it's plans from Block 37 to here? Why are there no restaurants or any store for that matter? I watched the whole development go up and would love to live there...if there was more than the theaters.

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By WestLooper from West Loop
Posted: 11/16/2011 9:44 PM

I agree about the cars -- really the only reason to use the driveway is to access the garage, which surely could be accessed in a way that is less invasive to the courtyard. I do love the movie house.

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By Lou
Posted: 11/16/2011 4:28 PM

I hope the developers are working to lure some local businesses and franchises. Potbelly's, Al's Beef, Garretts Popcorn etc...along with other smaller local retailers. I feel it very important that we support our local businesses. The state of Michiganis a fine example of a region supporting their own and also marketing them nationwide.

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By Betty from University Village/Little Italy
Posted: 11/16/2011 4:09 PM

Glad they make those changes to the plaza, definitely better than before. I wish they would get rid of the traffic altogether, and make it a pedestrian plaza only, with outdoor cafes, maybe a farmer's market, and recreational space. I really hate the focus on cars!