The central business district of Chicago was named after the circular shape of trains going in loops that service the area, dating back to the late 19th century though some research suggests that the term the Loop, didn’t come about until the construction of the elevated railway loop.
Historically, a business district, much has changed as the area has created a live work balance, along with beauty and play. It is still the second largest commercial district behind New York’s Midtown area.
The neighborhood is renowned for buildings by leading architects of the past century, and their successors. Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) is the second tallest building in the Western hemisphere. Historic Michigan Boulevard District has many renown buildings along Michigan Avenue, and is recognized as the end of U.S. Route 66.
Shoppers have a multitude of choices, from the Loop Retail Historic District, to the opulent Magnificent Mile which houses many upscale retailers and recognizable brands.
Culturally, the Theater District is found here, along with numerous works by well known artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Marc Chagall, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Alexander Calder, and Jean Dubuffet. The Art Institute, Lyric Opera, Civic Opera House, as well as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra also call this neighborhood home.
Millennium Park, which opened recently, and features the Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain which features outdoor public art and video sculptures, and Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate, which is referred to many as “the bean.”
The Chicago River and its Chicago Riverwalk which has recently been redeveloped to feature outdoor seating areas, along with artistic expressions of the city, offers many possibilities for recreation and entertainment.
During the summer months, the water taxi is in service that connects the Chicago River to the Loop near the Michigan Ave bridge.
Most of the CTA’s train lines converge here, including the Red Line, Brown Line, Blue Line, Orange Line, Green Line and Pink Line.
