west loop retail survey - West Loop Community Organization

WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY Introduction Due to the expansion of residential and business developments moving into the West Loop area, the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) requested its members to complete a retail survey in order to assess the needs and desires of the community. This information would help the WLCO in supporting developers and commercial real estate brokers who approach the organization for recommendations regarding types of retail, etc. that the neighborhood would like to see developed. On August 6th, 2013 the WLCO opened the online survey, emailing a link to the contact lists Board of Directors, Business Members, Residential Members and Condo Board. A reminder “Last Chance” email was sent August 13th before the survey was closed on August 15th. During that 10-day time period, the survey was completed by 150 recipients.

Summary Resident and business members alike expressed a desire to preserve the local flavor of the West Loop neighborhood. The overwhelming sentiment among respondents was the support for independent and local retail. Suggestions for family-owned restaurants and unique boutiques trumped national chains by a wide margin, particularly when it came to retail. Similarly respondents were not in favor of big box entertainment venues or hotel chains in the West Loop. Family oriented retail was another major concern among respondents. Beyond Target, many felt there were no retail options for the growing number of families residing in the West Loop. Randolph’s restaurant row was considered a vital asset to the community, but offered little in way of reasonable dining options for the average family. Affordable dining, especially healthy lunch options, were primary requests. A small minority of respondents were happy with the current retail, entertainment and hotel offerings. They wished to preserve the feel of the West Loop atmosphere and saw further development as harmful, citing city views, traffic and noise. Most of all respondents wished to see the West Loop established as a destination, beyond just the draw of Randolph’s restaurant row. They would like to see a diverse array of retail and dining that would bring foot traffic to the area while emphasizing the neighborhood’s history and charm.

WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY 1. What types of retail would you like to see in the West Loop?

The top two retail choices (tied at 54.3%) were women’s clothing and restaurants, with women’s shoes, home accessories and gift/specialty boutiques rounding out the top five. Those who responded “other” provided options such as a liquor store (two votes), bookstore, athletic apparel store, hardware store, butchery school, deli and child-related retail. Among the comments, independent, family-owned retail and restaurants were the greatest request. National chains, especially retail, were largely frowned upon. When it came to restaurants chains like Panera or Corner Bakery Café that offered quick and affordable lunch options, respondents were more lenient. However a healthy and reasonably priced lunch option that was locally or family-owned was the biggest request. One respondent imagined a place like Goddess and the Grocer, “a quick healthy spot to grab lunch or dinner [that is] a little nicer than fast food.” While survey respondents all lauded Randolph’s restaurant row, they ultimately wanted speedier and more affordable food options in the neighborhood. Several respondents also voiced frustration over a lack of family-friendly dining options that failed to the meet the needs of the growing number of families in the neighborhood. This concern also went beyond dining as many respondents desired child-related retail. Stores providing toys, clothing and shoes were suggested; as one respondent commented, “yes, there is Target, but I think the neighborhood could sustain a higher end option like a Galt Baby or Giggle.” As for retail, respondents frequently used such keywords as: independent, specialized, diversification, destination and foot traffic. The focus for many was small, locally owned businesses that add to the unique atmosphere of the West Loop. One respondent commented, “the West Loop needs retail options that aren't available just anywhere” providing options like record stores, vintage clothing shops, independent bookstores

WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY and bicycle shops. Other suggestions included shoe stores, consignment shops, arts and crafts stores, antique shops, home furnishings, bakeries, chocolate or cupcake shops and sidewalk restaurants. One respondent suggested that acquiring a boutique styled chain like Akira, Uniqlo or Anthropologie might draw small, independent boutiques to the area. Women’s clothing and shoes dominated retail responses at 54.3% and 49.6%, respectively. They were also one of the most mentioned retail options among the comments, with shoe retail of all genders and ages a top request. Again the focus was independent clothing stores, but the brands Anthropologie, J Crew, Banana Republic and Akira were thrown out as options by several respondents. Other chains however like Gap, H&M, American Apparel and DSW were given as examples of what should not come to the West Loop.

2. What types of cultural/entertainment facilities would you like to see in the West Loop?

The top entertainment choice was a movie cinema at 62.5%, but live theater and music weren’t too far behind at 56.9% and 43%, respectively. The 4.1% of “other” votes suggested facilities like indoor children’s play spaces, children’s entertainment, small art movie theater, and indie films in the park. Again, the major theme was family-oriented entertainment and play spaces. One respondent noted that while “the Mary Bartelme and Skinner Parks are great assets to the West Loop, [...] when the weather turns foul there are no indoor play space options in the neighborhood.” They suggested places like Little Beans Café, Pump it Up (Lincoln Park) and the Sod Room (South Loop). Another respondent offered up “...options for children, families, and young adults such as sporting venues, indoor soccer facilities, additional gyms, miniature golf, skateboarding park, etc.” It was also pointed out that the planned entertainment center near the United Center “would be a more logical venue for entertainment facilities due to the available parking [and] freeway access.” While movie cinema was the top choice, comments revealed that respondents still had some reservations about a movie theater in the West Loop. “Anything above would be great as long as it keeps with the spirit of the West Loop. For example, large big box movie theaters are not a fit with the community,” said one. In a similar vein, several respondents suggested smaller, second-run theaters or dinner/cocktail theaters like the Vic Brew & View.

WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY Most respondents would like more live theater and music venues of the City Winery variety. As one comment put it, encourage something “more along the lines of City Winery versus extensions of existing tourist venues. Be creative. More established neighborhoods have some great cultural gems. How many times can one see the Blue Men? Once.” Other respondents suggested a Steppenwolf theater, live jazz venue or comedy club. One comment made the case for a cultural space celebrating the neighborhoods history; “There definitely needs to [be] a space in Fulton Market that pays homage to the industrial era of the early 19th century. Such rich Chicago History!” On a different note, a handful of respondents argued against adding any more entertainment venues. Either they felt the West Loop was “good with what’s here” or saw such additions as a detriment to the community. An example of the latter; “These kinds of businesses bring a lot of traffic and cause parking problems. Please do NOT encourage this kind of development in our community.”

3. Would you like to see more hotels (i.e. boutique and/or mid-rise) in the West Loop?

The majority of respondents (52.6%) were in favor of more hotels in the West Loop. The twelve (8%) that responded “other” all were in favor of hotels, but with certain qualifications like boutique only, “depends on each plan” or “only if unique and original.” The majority of comments were concerned about boutique versus mid-rise hotels. Boutiques were considered much more favorable, especially if they could offer amenities (i.e. restaurants, rooftop lounges) for residents. Comments included:  I am in favor of boutique hotels if developers are able to refurbish existing buildings and they stay below height restrictions. Part of the West Loop charm is that we aren't the South Loop full of highrises. Let's keep it that way.  High end, boutique hotels targeting foodies enjoying restaurants on Randolph or the new tech/start-up community on Fulton. We don't need low-end chain hotels that shuttle people off to the United Center and then bring them back to the bars on Madison. We need to focus on building a community in the West Loop - not servicing out-of-towners.  I welcome Soho House and other new boutique hotels that are planned for the West Loop to support the influx of visitors that Google and other new businesses will bring.

WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY Several respondents displayed hesitancy about creating a tourist atmosphere in the West Loop, preferring to keep a more residential feel to the neighborhood. Some offered up compromises for “smaller options for housing such as a few bed and breakfasts which would help maintain the residential feel of the neighborhood while allowing for accommodations for small numbers of overnight guests.” Others weren’t completely opposed to hotels in the future:  Hotels should be a development later in the life cycle of the west loop. We should focus on providing the current resident with their needs as well as be appealing to others in the city, then appeal to the visitors.”  Why would residents of the West Loop need more or any hotels? If they must come then yes "boutique" and yes "mid-rise" but remember hotels take deliveries at off hours and putting one next to residential buildings is a cause for concern. Hotel guests also tend to keep different hours versus those of us who live and work here. The rest of respondents felt that the existing hotels and those in development are all the West Loop needs. As the above comment noted, many residents are concerned about the disturbance hotels may cause in a residential area.

4. Any other recommendations or final thoughts in addition to the above regarding the West Loop? The two most mentioned phrases among comments were “parking” and “foot traffic.” A major concern for respondents was the area’s current parking options, an overarching issue that also affected opinions on retail, entertainment and hotels. As one respondent put it, “please don't turn it into Lincoln Park or another over gentrified neighborhood with gridlock and no parking. It feels tighter and much more crowded every year.”

Key Phrases "Family friendly" "Foot traffic" "Keep chains out" "Madison retail" "Neighborhood joints" "No more..." "Parking" "Parks" "Preservation" 0

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WEST LOOP RETAIL SURVEY 8/6/13 to 8/15/13 RESULTS SUMMARY For example, while many were excited with the development of 1K Fulton and Google, concern was expressed by many respondents over how this may affect the parking situation. “As office space continues to be added to the area, there will need to be creative and unique ways to expand parking for corporate business, retail business, customers, and residents” commented one respondent. When it came to “foot traffic” the majority of comments were also linked to the phrase “Madison retail.” Respondents were anxious to see Madison built-up with diverse and specialized retail that would make the West Loop a destination for city and suburban residents. This also tied in with many concerns about national chains. It was important for many that the West Loop “keep chains out” and encourage local, independent businesses that would add to the character of the neighborhood. “Neighborhood joints” was a popular phrase. “Part of the West Loop’s charm is the mixture of mom and pop shops and wholesale vendors with top-notch restaurants. It is important to keep that mix and not to force out the businesses that founded and supported this neighborhood before it became ‘trendy.’ I would like to see continued community meetings on new developments – especially those developers looking to come in and build high rises simply to cash in. It is important to see the historic buildings restored when possible. The cold storage building and Soho are great examples of what is possible for continued growth and preservation of history.” The majority of comments focused on preserving the West Loop’s character and “charm,” a sentiment most accurately summarized by the quote above. The remainder of responses dealt with the familiar themes of “family-friendly” business and the diversification of retail. Several respondents started comments with the phrase “no more...!” They felt that the West Loop had enough instances of a few particular types of retail. As one respondent put it, “please no more insurance agencies or other boring businesses...” Another comment expounded on the subject: “We need less fitness centers, nail salons, dog spas and dry cleaners. They do not add any value to the neighborhood at this point. There are so many. We need more diversification in our retail businesses and restaurant businesses. It is hard to stay in the neighborhood and spend money when there is not enough to keep you busy with shopping and affordable eating solutions for an afternoon. Not every meal needs to be $75 per couple.” In short, respondents would like unique, locally-flavored retail that not only brings diversification to the neighborhood, but brings value to the community and meets the needs of the residents.