Thankful for new South, West Loop amenities

11/23/2011 3:00 PM

Editorial

6 Comments - Add Your Comment

It’s been a great year for developments in the neighborhoods around downtown. Despite the recession, lots of fantastic things have happened this year, and it’s time to give thanks for them.

We give thanks for:

  • All the great bars and restaurants that have opened this year, from The Scout to Maude’s Liquor Bar. These places have made their mark on the city and are thriving. They promise to be big draws for years to come, continuing to invigorate the neighborhoods around them.
  • The South Loop’s burgeoning new independent coffee shop scene. Donna’s Café and Overflow Coffee Bar are both great places to relax and get a delicious drink, and their proprietors are always happy to chat. Our reporting team will be sure to take advantage of their warm facilities as the weather turns foul.
  • The push for vacant condo buildings to turn into rentals. This may finally fill up the vacant spaces that have plagued Chicago Journal’s turf since the dawn of the recession. More people means more vibrant neighborhoods, and developers who invested in the area can hopefully regain solvency in the process.
  • New retail. Roosevelt Collection needs tenants. Ownership says they’re coming. Thank God.
  • New schools. STEM Magnet Academy seems to be off to a roaring success. Let’s hope they can keep that momentum going — it’s a promising program with a great principal. On that note, John M. Smyth Magnet’s test scores improved this year, too. They seem to be moving in the right direction.
  • Rush’s new hospital. It’s not opening until next year, but it’s pretty darn cool on the inside. Anyone who has the time should take a tour on Dec. 10. If we get maimed on the job, someone tell the ambulance to go there, please.
What are you thankful for? Send us a letter, and we’ll run the best ones in these pages next week.


6 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Marinauser from South Loop
Posted: 11/30/2011 1:48 PM

Doesn't seem like a lack of activity to me - maybe just a lack of looking for the activity. A simple search on poetry readings Chicago - first hit: CHICAGO'S TOP RECOMMENDED FREE POETRY EVENTS *Wed, Nov. 30, 5:30 PM, CM Burroughs and Michael Robins at Stage Two , 618 South Michigan Ave *Wed, Nov. 30, 7 PM, Revolving Door with Derrick Weston Brown and Jennifer Karmin at South Halsted Gallery, 1825 South Halsted *Thur, Dec 1, 5 PM, Chicago Review presents Josh Baldwin, University of Chicago Lillie House, 5801 South Kenwood Ave *Sat, Dec 3, 2 to 4 PM, readings at Holiday Book Fair at Oak Park Public Library, Lake St. between Oak Park Ave & Kenilworth Ave in downtown Oak Park *Sat, Dec. 3, 7 PM, Myopic Books, 1564 North Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Fl, presents Nathan Hoks *Mon, Dec 5, 7 PM, Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, presents a reading from Solace in So Many Words featuring Susan Spaeth Cherry, Joan Corwin, Carol Kanter, Paula W. Peterson, Pat Rahman and more *Mon, Dec 5, 6 PM, Neighborhood Writing Alliance, St. Leonard’s House, 2100 West Warren Blvd, Winter 2011 Release Reading *Tue, Dec 6, 7 PM, AD Jameson, Anne Shaw, Jillian Schiavi, and Megan Stielstra at Quenchers Saloon, 2401 North Western Ave *Thur, Dec 8, 7:30 PM, Encyclopedia Show, Extreme Sports, Vittum Theater, 1012 North Noble Street, Tickets $5-8 *Thur, Dec 8, 7:30 PM, Ponce @Nite, 4212 W. Fullerton, open mic with features *Fri, Dec 9, 7 PM, Cultural Society Nineteenth Century Book Release at The (New) Corpse Space, 1511 North Milwaukee Ave *Sat, Dec 10, 7 PM, Roosevelt University Student Reading at Book Cellar, 4736 North Lincoln Ave *Sun, Dec 11, 11 AM, Nature Writing Group, North Park Village Nature Center *Sun, Dec 11, 2 PM, Woman Made Gallery, 685 North Milwaukee Ave, presents Solace in So Many Words: Reading and Book Signing


By Anonymous
Posted: 11/29/2011 4:22 PM

I think he is referring to interactive arts. I agree.


By Anonymous
Posted: 11/29/2011 4:21 PM

I think he is referring to interactive arts. I agree.


By Robert from West Loop
Posted: 11/28/2011 12:02 PM

So Chicago, home of two of the top universities in the country, a world-renowned symphony orchestra, art museum and opera company, and three Tony Award-winning theater companies, is "severely lacking a vibrant intellectual scene"? Guess us yokels had better move to Michigan for some enlightenment.


By Martha from West Loop
Posted: 11/28/2011 10:55 AM

I would love to see more independent book stores in the West Loop area. After spending my Thanksgiving holiday at home in Ann Arbor, Mi. & Brooklyn, NY. I realize that Chicago is severely lacking a vibrant intellectual scene. While in Ann Arbor, there were several poetry gatherings and story telling scenes in the park. In Brooklyn I saw postings at just about every corner inviting everyone and anyone to participate in park poetry readings. This makes communities stronger and increases diversity.


By Anonymous
Posted: 11/24/2011 8:16 AM

Trader Joe\'s!!! Great new addition that adds value and removes a blighted vacant space. Amazingly, Jewel\'s parking lot is still and total nightmare to park in! Also, Waffles, just south of 14th and Michigan- best new breakfast place!