BASICS:
The history of Chicago's downtown is the history of one of the greatest cities in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago's roots come from Fort Dearborn. Built by US Federal Troops in 1802, it was named for President Jefferson's Secretary of War, Henry Dearborn. Bronze plaques now mark the outline of the fort along Michigan Avenue just east of the Loop.

On August 12, 1883, the town of Chicago was incorporated with a population of 350. Chicago's first elevated railway "The El," went into operation in 1891 to begin the "Loop" that would circle the city's downtown area.

Chicago's lakefront, which is almost exclusively recreational park area from north to south, features Grant Park. Grant Park is the home of Buckingham Fountain, the Petrillo Bandshell and the Grant Park Symphony (where free concerts can be enjoyed throughout the summer). In 1897, Kate Sturges Buckingham donated $750,000 to the city for construction of Buckingham Fountain as a memorial to her brother Clarence. The fountain stands today as on of the marquis symbols of Chicago, and it remains one of the largest fountains in the world, shooting a water jet 135 feet high.

The Loop is filled with architectural wonders from the tallest building in North America, The Sears Tower which stretches 1,54 feet into the sky, to the Chicago Board of Trade an art deco monument to commerce crowned by a 30-foot statue of Ceres, the Roman Goddess of grain. In addition to the spectacular Architecture, The Loop is an outdoor gallery for post modern sculptures from world-renowned artists like Picasso, Miro, Calder, Olderburg and Dubuffet. Architects are encouraged to provide more space for public artwork around new buildings, and as a result many sculptures in a variety of mediums continue to pop up around the Loop.

Also unique to the area is the Loop's still growing under ground walkway (called the Pedway) connecting many of the major buildings. The Pedway is only open Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 6PM in the evening. It is lined with numerous shops, services and cafes. This Underground walkway helps pedestrians avoid congestion, traffic and the weather, and helps make getting around easier during the period when the maximum number of people are in the Loop.

A recent addition to Grant Park is the architecturally forward Millennium Park, which opened in the summer of 2004, featuring world famous architect Frank Gehry's band shell along with Anish Kapoor's very popular "Cloud Gate" sculpture (known to locals as "the Bean"). Millennium Park spans what were formerly open rail yards on the city's lakefront.
Construction is continuing in the Loop. The recent expansions of The School of The Art Institute, DePaul University and Columbia College in this area have also brought with it a reemerging nightlife. More people are in the Loop at night, from the students to the downtown condo dwellers, and more businesses are opening or staying open to service them. Chicago's Loop continues to be one of the most impressive places in the country.

SHOPS:

This area has a wealth of shopping opportunities, although it competes with the more upscale Magnificent Mile area to the north. It includes Chicago's famous Marshall Field's department store, a traditional favorite for viewing Christmas window displays, and the original Carson Pirie Scott store.

DINING:

There is an abundance of lunchtime dining spots feeding the large amount of day workers in the downtown area. Joining the always-popular hotel restaurants, more places serving all levels of evening meals continue to open as the number of people living in the area increases.


SPECIAL EVENTS:

Chicago's annual two-week food fest - the Taste Of Chicago, draws more than 3 million people to Grant Park. An adventurous gourmet will be delighted with the oxtails, jerk tofu, curry goat and oyster shooter entrees. The more traditional diner will be glad to hear there are still pizza, hot dogs, ribs and cheesecake. There is also great music and fireworks to go along with the culinary treats.

CHICAGO LOOP ZIP CODES:

Chicago Loop and Grand Park zip codes include 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, and parts of 60605, 60606 (exclusively for the Sears Tower), 60607, and 60661.