Near South

Loop, South Loop, & Printer's Row

The Near South at one time was labeled just as business and commercial district. However, over the past few years it has seen a boom in residential development. The atmosphere of the Near South is captured by life in the Loop. The Loop is what the residents call the business district of Chicago. The area gets its name from the tracks of the elevated "El" train. The train makes a loop overhead following along Lake St., Wabash Ave., Van Buren St. and Wells St. It is a loop where many trains meet, and transfers to other train routes are frequent. The Loop is also the location of government offices (City Hall, State of Illinois Buiding, and Federal Building) and the financial district of the city. The Loop is home to the Chicago Board of Trade, The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, The Chicago Board of Options Exchange, and the Chicago Stock Exchange. You can also find The Sears Tower.

People who worked in the vibrant business life of the Loop wanted the convenience to live closer to work. As a result, beginning in the early 1980's the Near South began a era of transition. Neighborhoods like Printer's Row replaced the old printing warehouses that once dominated this area. Today the the old warehouses have been transformed into modern contemporary lofts. Loft syle living dominates in the Near South and the lifestyle is growing rapidly.

Other attractions of the Near South include; Grant Park, Millennium Park, Soldier Field, Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus, and shopping on State St.