Overview of The Loop The Loop means “downtown” to every Chicagoan!  It gets its name from the CTA elevated tracks that encircle the area, passing over the street boundaries of Chicago’s central business district – Lake, Van Buren, Wabash and Wells Streets.   Although more recently supplanted by North Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” as Chicago’s center exclusive retailing, the Chicago Loop still boasts the original Marshall Fields store (recently renamed Macy’s), along with its famous clock, at the corner of Randolph and State Streets, and it’s signature Walnut Room restaurant.  Many top restaurants and theaters, including the iconic Chicago Theater, call The Loop home. The famed Chicago skyline started in the Loop.  Sears Tower, 110 stories tall,  offers an expansive view of the city, Lake Michigan, and, on clear days, two neighboring states.    It still has the highest top floor of any building in the world – 1,450 feet above the street!    LaSalle Street contains the heart of Chicago's financial district, with many banks and the Chicago Stock Exchange, as well as the headquarters for many prestigious law firms. All Chicagoans know the base line for Chicago’s easy-to-follow street numbering system originates in The Loop, at the intersection of State and Madison Streets.  Madison Street, which runs east and west, divides the north and south street numbers. State Street, running north to south, divides east and west address numbers.  Chicago streets are mainly laid out on a rectangular grid pattern.  There are eight blocks to every mile on the north side, twelve to every mile below Roosevelt Road,  just south of The Loop. The Loop is also home to an astonishing array of museum's, including the world-renown Art Institute of Chicago, and noted local theatres including The Goodman, The Palace, and The Schubert .  Two world-class parks form the “front yard” of Chicago near Lake Michigan:  1) Grant Park, with its lush gardens, softball diamonds, band shell, and Buckingham Fountain is a landmark, and 2) Millennium Park, completed several years ago, with its incredible architecture, artwork and landscaping, ice rink, destination café, and its recognizable, highly reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, often called “The Bean.” Loop Condos for Sale Housing options in The Loop stride a variety of price ranges.  Many high rise and mid rise buildings extend from the original Loop itself, to nearby areas to the south and west.  South Loop and West Loop neighborhoods include Printer’s Row, Historic Motor Row, Central Station, and Dearborn Park.  Many feature panoramic views of downtown, The Lake, and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods. Being the center of Chicago, transportation options abound, allowing reverse commuters easy access to all of the city and all suburbs by one of the USA’s best public transportation systems (CTA and METRA trains), or several expressways (be aware, the Kennedy, Edens, Dan Ryan, and Stevenson Expressways, are very busy throughout the work day, and also on weekends). Live at the center of one of Chicagos finest arts and recreation centers by considering The Loop condos for sale! Locate this neighborhood on our Chicago Neighborhood Map!