Placemaking

Chicago Loop Alliance knew that 2022 would require the concerted efforts of placemaking to create an enjoyable destination for visitors, workers, and residents to attract people to the Loop, but also keep them coming back. Various projects and programs achieved these goals, including, for the second year in a row, one of our largest programs, Sundays on State.

Sundays on State

The award-winning Sundays on State series transformed Chicago's most iconic street, State Street, closing the street to vehicular traffic for four Sundays during the summer. Neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond united for a free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – the Loop. Chicago Loop Alliance's Sundays on State series accelerates the economic recovery, unites the community, creates joy, and enhances the public perception of the Loop.

92%

of activations came from underrepresented business owners

69%

of attendees visited a Loop business or landmark before, during, or after the event

93%

of attendees would refer a friend to Sundays on State

76%

of attendees said Sundays on State positively impacted their feelings on the Loop

113,362

people attended the first Sundays on State in 2022

374,063

2022 Sundays on State attendees from every single Chicago zip code and beyond

incidents of violent crime were reported to Chicago Loop Alliance during the events

Activate

For one night only this year, ACTIVATE returned to the Loop energizing the unique and hidden gem of LaSalle and Quincy with art installations, music, dance, food and drinks. Thousands from across Chicago gathered against the beautiful architecture of the LaSalle Corridor and showcased a unique way to revitalize the underused space previously reserved for the traditional office landscape.

4000+

ACTIVATE attendees

93%

satisfaction rate among attendees

98%

of attendees felt safe at ACTIVATE

63%

of attendees visited a Loop landmark before, during or after ACTIVATE

92%

satisfaction rate among participants

violent crimes or major thefts were reported to Chicago Loop Alliance during ACTIVATE

Safety perception in the Loop

98%

of CLA event attendees felt safe or extremely safe during and after attending CLA events

90%

of attendees with prior Loop safety concerns felt safe once attending CLA events

The Gateway

Chicago Loop Alliance continued to maintain The Gateway, a traffic median turned people spot that features tables, chairs, umbrellas, and landscaping—essentially a cool public space to hang out with iconic State Street as the backdrop. New umbrellas, tables and chairs in 2022 brought fresh colors to the space.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

For the fourth year, Chicago Loop Alliance was a Major Sponsor for LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on State Street. The parade celebrates Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” and once again dazzled spectators by showcasing Chicago’s dynamic cultural community.

groups participated in the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

3,000

participants in the Arts in the Dark parade

50,000

people attended Arts in the Dark parade