Downtown/Loop

Chicago's Downtown, known as the Loop, is the oldest piece of the city, and is incredibly dense and transit friendly. The Loop is bound by Lake Michigan, Roosevelt Road, and the Chicago River. Buildings are quite varied, and many of the buildings are quite old. In recent years, a new wave of construction has swept through, and glass and steel highrises can be found in some areas. Some mid rise buildings still cling to the streets, but for the most part, skyscrapers prevail. However, this doesn't make the Loop a soulless downtown. For the Loop has history, and life on every street. Cafés can be found hidden in alleys. Historic brick structures are on every street. People of all walks of life conduct their business in the Loop, from Jackson to Lake all the way to Lakefront. Big business and the homeless can both occupy the same street, and this is what gives the Loop its magic. The neighborhood is experiencing a population boom, which has led to the Loop diversifying to become not only a business district, but also a place or residents, and many new shops have opened to serve this need. The area is extremely transit friendly, and includes a lot of bike infrastructure as well.