Creation & Destruction in West Loop

As one building goes down in Chicago’s West Loop, others go up. Harpo Studios, the studio which produced the television show which defined a generation, was demolished this week. The Oprah Winfrey Show was one of the highest rated, most watched talk shows of all time. Whenever Oprah endorsed a product, sales soared (in what would become known as “the Oprah effect”). The show ran from 1986 all the way to May of 2011. Now, the studios which made television history have have been torn down to make way for a $250 million building, 80% of which has been rented out as part of the new McDonald’s headquarters.

But in the emotion and nostalgia of tearing down something old, we can at least look forward to something new. The West Loop is anticipating the construction of a new 13-story building in the site where the Bridgford Foods facility used to stand. The company is relocating and plans to develop residential and office space. Currently, there are 265 apartments, 256 parking spaces, and a large amount of retail space planned for the site. The complex will likely include an outdoor pool, bocce ball court, and dog walking area as well.

At Eric Booth Realty, we understand and appreciate the value of change. Contact us when you’re ready to make a change with your real estate.