Chicago's Loop is becoming a hot neighborhood.
"Bustling with office workers during the day, Chicago's downtown Loop -- a square mile ringed by elevated train tracks -- was deserted at night and on weekends.
At least until recently. Now, new restaurants and shops stay open past the evening exodus, catering to tens of thousands of new residents who are contributing to a downtown renaissance.
Among those opting to live downtown is Marie Verle, 30, a Parisian who teaches French cooking while her husband studies for a business degree at the University of Chicago.
'We prefer to put more money into living than in a car,' said Verle, 30, accompanying her two boys to a playground between the Loop and a harbor in Lake Michigan. 'We wanted to live in a big building -- they don't have these in Paris -- and to see the lake, to see the lights.'
FULL STORY: "Looptopia" is sign of downtown revival in Chicago

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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
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What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
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Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie