South Loop

Zip code within the South Loop:

60605

South Loop

The South Loop neighborhood is many things — among them, one of the city’s more successful examples of large-scale redevelopment. It’s the history, and the preservation of essential elements of that history that set this neighborhood apart.

When much of the city burned in the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, this area south of the central business district was spared. Already a preferred place to live, businessmen who prospered during the city’s recovery chose Prairie Avenue and nearby streets south of 18th Street to celebrate their good fortune by building elegant mansions and townhomes.

Formerly a sparsely populated industrial area, the South Loop is now home to a thriving community of young professionals, students of nearby colleges, and Chicago’s former Mayor Richard M. Daley. The neighborhood features notable historical landmarks that include the 1836 Clarke House, one of Chicago’s oldest residences; a diverse dining scene; blues clubs and other nightlife options; and the convenience of the Museum Campus and Loop a short stroll away.