1) West Loop Attracts More Company Headquarters
NanoGraf, a silicon-based materials manufacturer, was selected by the U.S. government for a large production of silicon anode, a component in lithium-ion batteries that makes them more efficient and is often used for electric vehicles. As a result of this contract, it will have new headquarters at Fulton Market the West Loop which will house its offices, labs and production facility. The 17,000-square foot building located at 400 N Noble St is set to be completed and ready for operations in early 2023.
The West Loop continues to attract other companies looking to make this prized real estate Chicago neighborhood their new stomping grounds, even amidst a growing wave of employees transitioning more to remote work. John Deere is among these companies, unveiling its new Chicago offices at 800 W Fulton Market. Major industrial products and services supplier, W.W. Grainger is also moving its headquarters in Buffalo Grove to the West Loop, bringing its e-Commerce business, Zoro, to the neighborhood as well. The company will occupy the top two floors at 500 W Madison St.
John Deere West Loop Office - 800 W Fulton St
2) Investment in West Loop Residential Development Continues
Residential development continues in the West Loop with two new towers proposed for Greektown and Fulton Market District. Chicago’s City Council approved the development of a new 36-story residential building at 301 S. Green St in Greektown. A project designed by local architecture firm Goettsch Partners, in partnership with developers, GSP Development and GOLUB & Company, the building will feature an all glass facade, 362 residential units, and is estimated to cost more than $166 million.
Another residential development project is currently underway at 344 N Canal St. The 33-story luxury apartment building by local developer Habitat Co will have 343 luxury residences to cater to the growing number of apartment hunters looking to reside in the West Loop. The site, formerly owned by Cassidy Tire and Service, was selected by Habitat Co for its proximity to major companies in the area including Google and McDonald’s.
301 S Green St West Loop Chicago Mixed Use
3) West Loop Dining District Still Flourishing
Years after morphing from an industrial, meat-packing district, to Chicago’s hottest dining destination, the West Loop neighborhood dining options continue to mount. Along “Restaurant Row” - the strip of Randolph St from Halsted St west to Ogden Ave - the latest newcomer is Hide + Seek (838 W Randolph St), touting a space of “comfortable elegance,” and a menu of shareable plates pulling in inspiration from the foods of Spain, Italy and France. Guests can also enjoy drinks and music after dinner service Thursday through Saturday.
Travel the globe east when you step into Bambola, just down the road (1402 W Randolph St). The menu and ambiance at this new West Loop restaurant showcases the flavors and decor influences of Eastern European and Asian cultures, borrowing from the historic trade route, Silk Road, that linked Europe and Asia.
Then there’s Valhalla in the Time Out Market which opened to the public in September 2022. Of the eateries at this Fulton Market food hall, Valhalla functions as its own restaurant under the Time Out Market roof. Occupying the second floor, this fine dining concept has Chef Stephen Gillanders (of S.K.Y. and Apolonia) at the helm, and to savor what he’s cooking up, reservations via Tock are strongly suggested.
Continuing with elevated experiences, the famed chef of Ever (and formerly of Grace), Curtis Duffy, and his partner Michael Muser opened their latest West Loop concept, After (1328 W Fulton St), this year. After is a high end cocktail bar and lounge which attracts diners of Ever who want to linger over drinks a while longer, or those in the neighborhood looking for a mixture of a classy ambiance and quality drinks. Reservations here are strongly encouraged, as well.
After Lounge West Loop Chicago
4) Chicago Men’s Shoe Brand Opens its West Loop Doors
Chicago-based men’s shoe brand, Marc Nolan, has grown quickly over the last five years and its founder, Sebastian Malczewski decided on the West Loop as the location of his flagship Marc Nolan store. The brand emphasizes comfortable, quality men’s shoes that make a statement. And, now, the brand is making a statement by opening a 1,300-square-foot brick and mortar retail store at 169 N Sangamon St. Malczewski chose the West Loop for his first store because he recognizes the potential of the neighborhood, which is brimming with restaurants and attracting more businesses each year.
Marc Nolan West Loop Chicago
5) Privately-Owned Park, The Green at 320, Offers Free Programming
Another West Loop project by local firm Goettsch Partners is a beautifully-designed lush park and plaza standing on 1.5-acres and adjoined to the firm’s 50-story, glass exterior, office tower project at 320 S Canal St. The privately-owned public park, the largest of its kind, is called The Green at 320, and offers places for passersby, neighbors and commuters going to or coming from Union Station an outdoor space to convene, relax or simply enjoy free programming. The Green at 320 hosts free outdoor activities throughout the year, including fitness classes, concerts, workshops and more.
The Green at 320 Chicago
MICHAEL SAMM | 312-767-7504
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
WEST LOOP REALTOR