The LOOP, standing tall in the middle of Chicago, is arguably the most iconic part of the city. They say “if you’ve never been to Chicago, this is the place to begin!” From famous collections of world class art to huge street-side statues carved by some of 20th century’s best sculptors, the Chicago Loop has it all.

Between Monday and Friday, you don’t have to walk around to discover that you’re in the middle of a very busy place. The streets will be buzzing with people in a hurry getting in and out of tall buildings trying to catch the next meeting. In any case, this is USA’s second largest Central Business District and the financial hub for the Midwest.

So, why should you get office space at the Loop?

Transportation

When in Chicago, all roads lead to the Loop!

Starting with the well developed rail network, you and your happy employees will enjoy the elevated tracks of the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) coming in from all corners of the city. The CTA Red Line curls from the northern border to Far Southeast with main stops at Jackson, Monroe, and Lake. Blue Line CTA runs from O’Hare International Airport through Far Northwest Side and underground through the Loop along Dearborn connecting with Red Line at Jackson.

Although the Red Line and Blue Line are the main routes, there are several other CTA line trains that ride the creaky elevated tracks including the Brown line that comes from North Center and Northwest, the Pink Line that rides in from further west, the Purple Line that comes from Lakeview and Evanston, and the Green Line from the far west and south. So that’s pretty much most of the city covered. Even if you’re arriving at Midway Airport, you’d still have Orange Line that rides right from the Airport to the Loop.

Bus and car transportation is also quite convenient in the Loop, though you’re unlikely to enjoy the high-traffic on your first day. If you’re new, 20 Madison and 147 Express are your best options for buses. If you’re coming by car, Michigan Avenue and Lake Show Drive will make your best routes. There are four parking garages near Millennium Park and Grant Park.

Flexibility

The Chicago Board of Trade Visitor Center, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Visitor Center are main visitor attractions in the Loop. The Board of Trade Visitor Center, an Art Deco masterpiece, is a monumental construction that dates back to 1930. It features hi-tech displays and great historical artifacts particularly on the history of financial trading. The Chicago Cultural Center was built in 1987 and alongside the city’s Visitor Information Center, houses several galleries and exhibit halls.

The Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 has placed emphasis on job creation, tourism growth, and enhancing value of property creating plenty of opportunities for art and culture. Maggie Daley Park and Millennium Park offer multi-functional public spaces and Grant Park continues to serve the community for recreation and leisure. Skydeck Chicago and Herald Washington Library attract more than 3 million visitors annually which is a great boost for tourism in the city. The Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Chicago Loop Alliance Programming, and the countless regional events including the Lollapalooza, Chicago Marathon, and Taste of Chicago also draw huge crows every year.

So, whichever business you’re into, you always have all you need to succeed.

Scalability

The attractive work environment has drawn a large, diverse, and talented workforce allowing you to upscale your business with ease. This “draw” is backed by the strong transportation network and a booming retail and restaurant environment. City Target, Macy’s on State Street, and Block Thirty Seven are all available 24-hours a day and retail is always active on LaSalle Street. The diverse mix of restaurants and the emerging nightlife are also attracting thousands. And if there is one thing that every startup business should be thankful for, it’s the numerous and increasingly technological institutes – they have made recruitment much easier in the Loop!

The Loop now boasts a strong mix of businesses; from government offices to legal, financial, and creative startups. It remains the largest supplier of office space in Chicago currently providing an estimated 42% of the city’s competitive office space. There are plenty of Class B and Class C office spaces for those looking for creative spaces.

Given these distinct advantages, there is a percieved drawback to getting office space at the loop.

Cost

Cost is probably the biggest drawback to getting office space at the Loop. With demand so high and big companies expanding each new day, prices for space are on the rise. However, if you’re serious about doing business in the Loop, you’d easily look past cost of space, because as soon as your business takes off, you’re always sure of a high returns on investment.

Business in the Loop is thriving. New opportunities are being created and there are over 300,000 qualified workers waiting to help you take off. Surely, if there is a time to get office space in the Chicago Loop, that time is now!

Image credit: Allan Henderson