Grant Park-Skate Park!

In May of this year, Chicago’s Plan Commission approved plans for our new skatepark at the south end of Grant Park. Plans were released last fall, showing curvy paved pathways and sculptural landscape features courtesy of the Chicago Park District and North Center urban design studio Altamanu. Plans for the new Skate Park in Grant Park artfully combines landscape design and features for skateboarding. (Chicago Park District) According to the Grant Park Advisory Council, it will be the country's first skate park built in a major city's "front yard" park. With an address of 300 East 11th Street, the new skate park will be the city’s fifth and will skaters fron the neighborhood’s local population of 60,000 students. The skate park and associated “passive areas” will occupy three acres, said Chicago Park District spokesman Peter Strazzabosco. Bob O’Neil of the Grant Park Conservancy told Chicago Architecture Blog: "We were able to get input and design from all kinds of skaters and BMXers so it was crowd-sourced before crowd sourcing was cool. We organized skaters back in 2006. The final design is innovative and allows it to be used by the entire public not just skaters and other ”wheelers”. It will be a place for all types of people and park users to gather." Onlookers will be able to view the skaters from observational platforms as well as from the 11th Street Bridge. Additionaly there will be an outdoor performance area which will allow families to picnic and watch outdoor movies. The skate park will be part of a 1.9-acre addition to the 325-acre downtown park’s southwest corner, between South Michigan Avenue and the Metra Electric District railroad tracks. Fred Scovell-Chicago Viewpoint

The Size Of An FHA Loan Will Shrink In 2014!

Lower single-family home loan limits will take effect next year for homebuyers in Chicago and in many other areas who take out a mortgage backed by the federal government. Beginning Jan. 1, the maximum loan size that could be guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration in the Chicago area will be $365,700, down from the current $410,000, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Friday. Loan limits on other types of single-family properties also will be reduced. For instance, the FHA will currently back a mortgage on a two-flat of up to $524,850. In January, that maximum limit will shrink to $468,150.

33 E. Cedar 5B, Chicago, IL 60611, USA - Huge 1 bed Gold Coast Rush Street Area - real estate listing

1 Bed Rental in the Gold Coast!

33 E. Cedar 5B, Chicago, IL 60611, USA - Huge 1 bed Gold Coast Rush Street Area - real estate listing

Jones Prep Enrollment Expansion

Emanuel lauds Jones Prep expansion, alderman asks for new local high school The mayor's plan will increase the total student population at Jones from 900 to 1,700 by 2016. Jones will add programs focusing on pre-engineering and pre-law, and neighborhood residents will be given first shot at those 300 seats, according to a city news release.

Polar Adventure At Northerly Island

POLAR ADVENTURE DAYS at NORTHERLY ISLAND Saturdays Jan 19th and Feb 16th Noon - 4 p.m. See Siberian huskies, wolves and other live animals Enjoy music from the Old Town School of Folk Music Explore the island on snowshoes (if there's snow) Make a nature-inspired winter craft Encounter birds of prey from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Sip hot cocoa while strolling across the prairie Take a bird hike led by Wendy Paulson, co-sponsored by Audubon Chicago, Openlands & The Field Museum

Wheeler Mansion Children's Christmas Party With Santa!!!!

PDNA Annual Children's Holiday Party Sunday, December 16, 2012 at the Historic Wheeler Mansion Bring your child to a fabulous holiday party in the stunning Wheeler Mansion and see Santa Claus and this historic home all dressed up for the holidays. Date: Sunday, December 16, 2012 Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm Location: Historic Wheeler Mansion, 2020 S. Calumet Ave. Chicago Party Includes: Pictures with Santa, singing classic holiday carols, story telling, cookie decorating, tasty holiday treats, hot cider and hot chocolate Be sure to bring your camera for great photo opportunities with Santa Claus Tickets: $10 per child (infant to 12 years) Tickets: $3 for attendees 13 years and older Ph. 312 401-2688 Ph. 630 212-1744 Fax. 866 442-2965 Email. pdna.chicago@gmail.com Website. pdnachicago.com

South Loop Townhouse for Rent-Only $2,100!

Dearborn Park 2-South Loop Townhome

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Video Neighborhood

$2,100 Residential Rental Main Features 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 1,500 sqft Location 1454 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60605 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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Fred Scovell Chicago Viewpoint-Coldwell Banker (312) 914-1045 fredscovell@gmail.com http://chicagoviewpoint.com     Listed by: Chicago Viewpoint-Coldwell Banker

Our recent listings Dearborn Park 2-South Loop Townhome Spacious Bronzeville 3 Bed Home Historic Bryn Mawr 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Home Spectacular Lake Views From A Luxury South Loop Condo Haberdasher Square Brick and Timber Loft Subscribe to our listing feed

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Rent VS Own- South Loop Townhome to be available for rent!

Here is a graph from Crain's -August 2012 =indicating that in Chicago, it is now perhaps more economical to own rather than rent!!!! Chicago Viewpoint is going to have available a 2 bed-+den townhouse for rent in the South Loop for only $2,200!

LIT FEST

Printers Row Lit Fest 2012

Here is the rundown on the 2012 Printers Row Lit Fest in the South Loop per the Chicago Tribune! It is the feature event in the Printers Row-South Loop-Dearborn Park neighborhood each and every year!!

" What is the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest?

The Printers Row Lit Fest was founded in 1985 by the Near South Planning Board to attract visitors to the Printers Row neighborhood (once the city's bookmaking hub). By 2002, it had grown to five city blocks (on Dearborn, from Congress to Polk), attracting more than 200 booksellers from across the country displaying new, used and antiquarian books, and featuring seven stages with more than 100 free literary programs.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the written word and its support of literacy and literary endeavor, the Chicago Tribune purchased the Printers Row Book Fair in 2002 from the Near South Planning Board. Recently renamed to be the Printer's Row Lit Fest, it is considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest-drawing more than 125,000 book lovers to the two-day showcase.

Where is Printers Row Lit Fest?

Printers Row Lit Fest is located on historic Printers Row, on and around the area of Dearborn Street, from Congress to Polk streets in Chicago. (Google map of area)

When does Printers Row Lit Fest take place?

Events occur from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 9-10, 2012.

Who exhibits at Printers Row Lit Fest?

Booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations sell and promote books and book-related merchandise and distribute related information. Many of the independent booksellers participating in the Fest represent the diverse ethnic and cultural communities of the Chicagoland area and sell books of different languages and genres.


Who is speaking at Printers Row Lit Fest?

Panels and events are held on seven stages, featuring experts on an array of topics such as politics, sports, children's storytelling, science and much more.

How can I attend events at Printers Row Lit Fest?

Admission to all Fest events is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Certain events will require tickets.

Will I have a chance to have one of my books signed?

All Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest authors are asked to remain after their event for at least one hour to sign copies of their books at official Fest book-signing areas. For each author event, the Printers Row Lit Fest steering committee selects an exhibitor to sell the books.

What does Printers Row Lit Fest offer for children?

The Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest will include the Lil' Lit Park where kids and parents can enjoy storytelling, costumed characters, performances, sing-alongs, and special activities coordinated by educational and cultural groups."

Street Closings In The South Loop For Nato

It's time to welcome the world to the South Loop, and South Loop Neighbors is making sure you have facts and information about what to expect. Throughout the weekend, the SLN website will be kept up-to-date with the latest information from city authorities and other sources. We hope you find it useful.

Road closures. From 6 pm Saturday, May 19, until midnight May 20, Roosevelt Road will be closed east of Michigan Ave. Columbus and Lake Shore Drives will be closed from Balbo Dr. to 31st St. The area around McCormick Place will be closed from Friday at midnight through Saturday, Sunday, and Monday midday. Roads that will be closed include Calumet Ave./King Drive from Cullerton to 26th, Prairie and Indiana Avenues from 21st St. to I-55, 21st St. east of Indiana Ave., and Cermak Rd. east of Michigan Ave. No residences or businesses will be within the secured fenceline. 

A map of Saturday Museum Campus road closings is on the SLN website.

A "soft zone" a couple of blocks further out might include residential or commercial areas, and require residents and employees to show IDs for entry at certain times. This zone will probably be east of Michigan Ave. and south of Roosevelt Rd., and may be drawn even smaller so it would not affect Museum Park and Central Station residents.

Protesters are expected all weekend, but the largest rally and march is set for Sunday, May 20. It will begin at 2 pm at the Petrillo Bandshell, go west along Jackson to State, then south to Harrison, east to Michigan, then south to Cermak, disbanding by 4:15 pm. The group had earlier been promised that it could march to 23rd and Indiana, within sight and sound of McCormick Place, so the endpoint may be a site of conflict between protesters and police.

An Occupy Chicago gathering is planned for 7:00 to 9:00 pm Saturday at Congress and Michigan.

To keep up with changing conditions and protest incidents, the city is encouraging residents to sign up for text, email, or phone alerts at notifychicago. Businesses are encouraged to sign up for security alerts by text.

As a precaution, South Loop residents should carry ID (or a utility bill) with their current address, in the unlikely event that police briefly restrict certain streets to residents only.

CTA will be adding additional buses and trains. Street closures will affect several CTA bus routes to the South Side, notably routes 3 King Drive and 6 Jackson Park Express. Specific details for specific dates can be found  at the CTA website.

Metra will have airport-style security measures in place for all lines. No food or drink will be permitted, and bicycles and large parcels including most backpacks and briefcases will be forbidden. From Saturday, May 19, through Monday, May 21, all Metra Electric stations between Van Buren Station and 53rd will be closed. Many other Metra Electric stations will be closed on Monday, May 21. More details can be found  at the Metra website.

The Jewel store at Roosevelt and Wabash will close at 10 pm on the days of the summit weekend.

The north end of Printers Row will see increased federal security presence around the Federal Center, perhaps as far south as Harrison.

A downtown air defense exercise will begin at 9:00 am Friday, lasting approximately two hours

Dearborn Park 2

Dearborn Park in early March 2012

Just listed: 1841 S Calumet Ave 803, Chicago, IL 60616 for $2,300

Just listed: 1841 S Calumet Ave 803, Chicago, IL 60616 for $2,300

A Great 3 Bedroom Printers Row Condo For Sale!

Rare Printers Row Three Bedroom Home

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Priters Row Videos Neighborhood Market Stats

$309,000 Condominium Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 1500 sqft Location 640  S. Federal Street #601 Chicago, IL 60605 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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Fred Scovell Chicago Viewpoint-Keller Williams (312) 914-1045 fredscovell@gmail.com http://chicagoviewpoint.com Listed by: Chicago Viewpoint-Keller Williams

Our recent listings Rare Printers Row Three Bedroom Home Brick West Loop Loft With 2 Parking Spaces Move In Condition 3 Bedroom 2 Bath  Condo Lake Views From A Great South Loop Condo! Haberdasher Square Brick and Timber Loft Subscribe to our listing feed

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A Luxury South Loop Condo With Really Spectacular Lake Views

 A great new South Loop condo at 1211 S Prairie #1802 on the market!

  Luxury South Loop Condo-Lake Views

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Market Stats

$699,900 Condominium Main Features 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Interior: 1550 sqft Location 1211  S. Prairie #1802 Chicago, IL 60605 USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

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Fred Scovell Chicago Viewpoint-Keller Williams (312) 914-1045 fredscovell@gmail.com http://chicagoviewpoint.com Listed by: Chicago Viewpoint-Keller Williams

Our recent listings Spectacular Lake Views From A Luxury South Loop Condo South Loop Townhouse With 3 Outdoor Spaces Investor Opportunity Brick and Timber  Loft Haberdasher Square Brick and Timber Loft Subscribe to our listing feed

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Real estate listing marketing and map-based MLS search

Real estate listing marketing and map-based MLS search

September 9th, 2011 A Big Day For The South Loop! Trader Joes!!

Trader Joe’s, a truly unique grocer known among foodies for its unusual imports, organic foods and $1.99 bottled wines that earned the nickname “Two Buck Chuck,” is opening its South Loop store at 1146 S. Wabash on Sept. 9, 2011!.

This is a 14,000-square-foot store which replaces  Sam’s Wine & Spirits at the busy corner of Wabash and Roosevelt and will be kitty-corner from its "competitor the Jewel-Osco grocery store at 1224 S. Wabash.

Trader Joe’s, a Monrovia, Calif.-based chain owned by the Albrechts family of Germany, operates three other stores in Chicago — in River North, Lincoln Park and North Center neighborhoods — and 14 others in Illinois.

Check out their sign on the store-they are hiring!!!!!

Printers Row Lit Fest 2011 Saturday Schedule

Food Drive at Jewel- Wabash and Roosevelt

Fred Scovell  of Chicago Viewpoint-Keller Williams will be supporting the Food Drive! Fred will be at the Jewel Food Store from 4pm to 5pm,  today, May 12th-bring your donation!

The South Loop Has Its Own Film Festival!!!

South Loop Film Festival

Get  ready for the 2nd annual South Loop Film Festival!  Proceeds of the event will go to the South Chicago Art Center.  Tickets can be purchased for $10 online, by calling 312.435.4600 or at the door.
The screening will take place on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30pm at the ICON Theatre on Roosevelt Road. Everyone will receive a sweet swag bag of goodies.  

The first film festival last year was a huge success, 17 short films  were screened before a packed house at the ICON (everything from narrative to animation to documentaries to music videos, etc), had a Q&A with 9 of the filmmakers (from all over the Midwest), gave out really great swag bags to the entire audience and all the filmmakers and had a local vendor fair before the screenings.  An audience award was given to the animated short Chicken Cowboy.

Riding the Red Line: The Roosevelt station in Chicago's South Loop