Much has been written about the West Loop’s gritty past, from the days of the Randolph and Fulton Markets to Skid Row. In the last few decades, the City has made strategic investments in the area, building on the buzz that Harpo Studios and Restaurant Row had created. In 2009, the West Loop truly became a neighborhood as the new Skinner West Elementary School opened its doors at 1260 W. Adams. Since that time, the resident population of our community has grown by leaps and bounds, with Skinner Park and the new Mary Bartleme Park (2010) drawing even more city dwellers to the neighborhood. Enrollment at Skinner West has reflected this growth, with over 1,100 students now attending the school, as many more schoools and childcare centers have sprung up across the West Loop.
The neighborhood has reached another key milestone in its evolution, with the opening of the West Loop Branch of the Chicago Public Library (122 N. Aberdeen) and the new Skinner West Annex (Throop and Monroe).
Rendering of the Skinner West Annex
The new Skinner School Annex
The Skinner West expansion, which opens on Monday the 28th, will provide needed space for one of the most popular schools in the district. With 19 new classrooms, a multi-purpose room, and space for art, science, and computer classes, the days of students filling into hallway classrooms or a corner of the library for instruction will be gladly left behind. Students and faculty will truly feel like Superstars in their new home. The additional capacity will put the school in good position to welcome the West Loop’s youngest residents this fall and well into the future.
Located five blocks to the northeast, the newest branch of the Chicago Public Library opened on Thursday. A Family Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, January 26.
Rendering of the Skinner Library
The new West Loop Library nearing completion
The library is sure to be a focal point for our community as a space to gather year-round to grab a book, play a game, record a song, participate in an educational program, or use the 3D printer. With computers, a recording studio, digital media tools, and other hardware at the library, the space will serve as a resource to kids of all ages. Combined with a shared offices and a community gathering space on the second floor, the library should be a busy place at any time of day.
Neighbors of West Loop would like to extend our gratitude to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Alderman Walter Burnett, Principal Deborah Clark, Sterling Bay, and CPS and CPL for bringing these two amazing facilities into our community. Theses buildings are a testament to the positive results of effective collaborartion between residents and our elected officials.
Opened within days of each other, the library and Skinner West Annex will have firmly established the West Loop as a neighborhood for families to live and grow for many years to come.