Chicago's West Loop Neighborhood

The West Loop is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Chicago. For the most part, housing in this area consists of renovated loft condominiums. At one time this neighborhood was regarded as the very opposite of trendy, but is now home to Oprah Winfrey’s Television Studio, and lots of new construction, restaurants and galleries are being built or renovated. Having the convenience of being just minutes from downtown and the expressway, the West Loop is a great place to live.

The borders of West Loop are: the River to the east, Lake Street on the north, Congress Parkway to the south, and Ashland to the west. The architecture is mainly of warehouses that are still in use or recently converted to loft condominiums, restaurants, night clubs, a growing number of art galleries, and some retail outlets.

This neighborhood is ready for a major developmental renaissance. Developers, investors, and home-buyers are all buying up real estate in the West Loop before the area reaches its full potential and prices rise. New constructions are being opened up all over the community, while old buildings are being remodeled into spacious lofts and condos.

What used to be an industrial district filled with factories and warehouses now is becoming a neighborhood that is quite en vogue. The population of the West Loop is increasing, much like its property values. It is still cheaper than living to the north in Wicker Park, but that might soon change. The area is not overcrowded yet, as only about 47,000 people currently occupy the West Loop.

Developers in the West Loop are following a strategy that has already proven to be successful in other Chicago neighborhoods. The architecture is a mixture of the new integrated with the old, instead of completely starting from scratch. Hundreds of millions of dollars are invested here in new high-rise office buildings and residential towers. These modern dwellings co-exist with colorful open-air produce markets and the lively Greek restaurants and nightclubs along Halsted Street. The high-rise complexes offer a full range of conveniences from shopping to private health clubs.

West Loop real estate includes a number of commercial and residential lofts, mid-rise condos as well as premier high-rise condos with panoramic city and lake views. Built in 2003, Sky Bridge is a 39 story Skyscraper located at 1 North Halsted. The price range of the condos here are between $300,000 and $750,000. Park Alexandria is another 266 unit high rise located at 125 S. Jefferson, also built recently in 2003. Prices range from $232,900 to $899,900.

Madison 901, currently in the development stage, is a ten story building designed in a glassy, modern style. It will be one of the most beautiful condominium lofts in Chicago. Its main feature is the lifestyle amenity concept that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 10th floor indoor/outdoor recreation complex, a party room with a wet bar, billiard table and large-screen TV.

There is plenty of entertainment in West Loop. Residents enjoy a range of excellent restaurants as well as proximity to other popular neighborhoods, such as Greektown, Fulton Market and Little Italy. Shopping isn't abundant yet, but the neighborhood is so close to the Loop that it isn't much of a problem for most residents. Also because of the population boom, a number of public and private schools have opened in the West Loop, including the Chicago Academy of the Arts.