Placemaking
Economic Development Planning & Advocacy

Placemaking

As Chicago Loop Alliance continually analyzes areas that enhance and propel the Loop forward, projects and programs like Sundays on State create an engaging atmosphere showcasing the Loop as a hub of entertainment, art, and community.

Sundays on State Photo by Purple Photo

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 two 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.

Sundays on State
Sundays on State
Sundays on State
1million+
attendees have visited Sundays on State events since 2021 inception
270,000+
people attended Sundays on State in 2023
68%
of attendees visited a Loop business or landmark before, during, or after the event
94%
of attendees would refer a friend to Sundays on State
0
incidents of violent crime were reported to Chicago Loop Alliance during the events
Families in the Loop

Safety perception in the Loop

over 99%
of CLA event attendees felt safe or extremely safe during and after attending CLA events
76%
of attendees say Sundays on State positively affected their overall feelings about the Loop
The Gateway

The Gateway

Chicago Loop Alliance freshened up The Gateway, a traffic median turned people spot with new tables, chairs, umbrellas, and landscaping, making it an idyllic respite surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Loop.

Enteractive State

Enteractive State

In partnership with LeMonde Studios of Montreal, Quebec, Chicago Loop Alliance created Enteractive State, activating State Street with five unique, human-powered sculptures transforming the corridor into a space of interactive art fostering community.

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade

For the fifth year, Chicago Loop Alliance was a Major Sponsor for LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on State Street. The parade continues to celebrate Halloween as the “artist’s holiday”, enlivening State Street with the spectacle of community-driven performing arts and diverse cultural representation.

92
groups participated in LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
~4,000
participants in LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark parade
56,325
people attended LUMA8’s Arts in the Dark parade
Arts in the Dark
Mayor Brandon Johnson attending Sundays on State; Photo by Purple Photo
Enteractive State; Photo by Gabi Dresslinge