Great Street

"Today, State Street celebrates, just as it has done many times in the past. It has celebrated the end of wars, the passing of old years, the planting of trees, the addition of lights and decorations and various incarnations of itself. This time, the business interests are celebrating State Street's longevity, which didn't seem guaranteed at its nadir during the 1980s, when the big stores were pulling out....The merchants are starting a new image campaign, called State Street Reigns Supreme, that will run until the yearend holidays....During the years suburban expansion led to abandonment of central cities, Chicago's Loop held its ground as a destination for work, entertainment and as a neighborhood in its own right. That success helped State retain its allure despite serious missteps." [Editor's note: The article includes a timeline.]