The West Loop area was first inhabited in the 1800’s by immigrants looking for employment. While these first settlers did find homes here, much of the area was a warehouse district, full of factories and businesses. When Greektown was founded in the late 1800’s, some commercial sites were brought into the area.  In the 1920’s more people moved into the area.

 

The West Loop began to take shape just two decades ago, when a slow but steady transformation began to take place.  Several warehouses were converted to loft buildings and restaurants began to open up around the area. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Loop began to be seen as a valuable characteristic and its demographic began to shift.

 

The contemporary West Loop is a now one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago, full of spacious lofts, cozy cafes, world famous restaurants and popular nightspots. It is bordered on the north by Fulton Street, on the south by Congress Parkway, on the east by Halsted Street and on the west by Racine Avenue.