Recent data from the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) reveals that pedestrian traffic in Downtown Chicago has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This rise is primarily attributed to an influx of visitors drawn to arts and culture events, as well as the vibrant dining scene.
CLA President and CEO Michael Edwards speaks to the positive trend, indicating that ongoing efforts to transform the Loop into a dynamic social hub are beginning to bear fruit. Amidst high rates of retail and office vacancy that persisted after the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers offer a glimmer of hope.
However, there are lingering concerns related to the potential introduction of the National Guard to Chicago, a move threatened by President Donald Trump. Currently, a federal appeals court has delayed any such actions, leaving some uncertainty about the effect this might have on the area’s recovery.
Edwards emphasizes that it is the programming of arts and culture that is truly driving the resurgence of foot traffic in the Loop. On weekends, the CLA reports pedestrian counts exceeding those of 2019 by approximately 116%. This increase largely comes from attendees of cultural events who typically do not frequent Downtown.
“If anybody hasn’t been Downtown lately, they really ought to come down and check it out, because it’s not what they hear on the national news,” Edwards stated in a recent interview. He noted that the Loop is increasingly being used more as a social destination rather than just a business center.
Historical studies from the CLA highlight that attendance at arts and culture events in Chicago has consistently outpaced attendance at all local professional sports games combined. Furthermore, participation in cultural experiences such as Broadway shows and art exhibitions among Chicagoans exceeds the national average, a trend that has been confirmed by the latest CLA data.
Several major summer events, including Lollapalooza and the Chicago Triathlon, significantly contributed to a direct economic impact, totaling over $514 million in the third quarter alone, surpassing figures from late 2024. In September, over a million visitors flooded the Loop for various events organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events as well as for events like Sundays on State.
The utilization of public transport is also on the rise, with millions of residents and tourists relying on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to navigate the Loop. Notably, the CTA witnessed its highest ridership since 2019 during this year’s Lollapalooza weekend.
Theater productions have emerged as another critical contributor to the Loop’s increased foot traffic, with attendance up 11% compared to the previous year. Goodman Theatre’s executive director, John Collins, confirms this trend, sharing that the theater welcomes around 200,000 attendees each year, aligning closely with pre-pandemic attendance figures.
“The traffic is remarkable,” Collins remarked. “There’s just more and more things to do, drawing more and more people and families down here. We continue to see more and more people who are coming and taking a chance on something new.”
Edwards sees a growing demand for residential options in the Loop and highlights several efforts to repurpose vacant office spaces into apartments. For instance, the transformation of over 400,000 square feet in the Bankers Building at 105 W. Adams St. will yield studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.
“More housing is essential for the Loop if we wish to thrive and morph into a more integrated neighborhood rather than strictly a business district,” Edwards remarked. His comments also address the challenge of filling more than 50 vacant storefronts in the Loop, primarily found along State Street and south of Monroe Street.
In conclusion, Edwards reinforces the vitality of urban centers, stating, “Cities are still the most dynamic places. They drive the economy of the entire nation. It’s perplexing that our federal administration maintains such a negative stance on cities because without them, there’s no economy.”
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