West Loop

Formerly a warehouse district, the past decade has seen the West Loop’s transformation into one of the hottest residential, entertainment and shopping neighborhoods in Chicago. The West Loop’s character is very much defined by the young urbanite residents and clientele attracted to the area by its many converted loft buildings and new condominium developments, gourmet restaurants, vibrant nightlife, fashionable boutiques and art galleries. The shops in the Fulton Market area offer a wealth of designer clothing, jewelry and furniture, while Blackbird, Marché, Red Light and other foodie favorites on Randolph Street have given that strip its “Restaurant Row” nickname.

Other notable West Loop landmarks include Harpo Studios, home of the Oprah Winfrey Show; Old St. Patrick’s Church, the oldest public building in Chicago; and an eye-catching piece of public art, Claes Oldenburg’s 100-foot Batcolumn, in front of the Harold Washington Social Security Building.