Gioco to Reopen in the South Loop?

In a story posted to Crain's ChicagoBusiness this afternoon, it was announced that KDK Restaurants is shutting down Wes Loop restaurant, Red Light, but will reopen Gioco.

When exactly Gioco will reopen is uncertain. A message on S.Wabash Italian eatery's answering machine says they hope to be open in a few weeks. The message goes on to apologize for any inconvenience and thanks customers for their patronage. A message on the restaurant's answering machine on Friday said they were experiencing a water problem and would be open today.

Gioco at 1312 S. Wabash Ave.

Red Light was operating with an expired state business license. Gioco had its license revoke for falling behind on employee withholding and state taxes. At the KDK Web site, it's business as usual, with no mention that Gioco or Red Light are closed.

The KDK empire used to be comprise of such high-end restaurants as Opera, Marché, and Le Lan and Soul. Opera closed in December, Le Lan and Soul closed down in May 2009, and Marché in June.

Around the South Loop: 2011 Volume 6: Spring Ahead

Daylight savings time begins this weekend. We spring ahead one hour which means it won't be as dark as pitch when we leave work. Walking around the South Loop you may see some signs that the weather is changing.

Plants and flowers will soon be on display at 1471 S. Michigan.

The classic cars begin to venture outside like this vintage Camaro

A new business will be opening up at 1250 S.Michigan.

It's a bargain at $9 million, don't you think?

South Loop Immediate care moved from 16th St. to 1430 S. Michigan.

There are still piles of snow around town as this photo attests.

With the warmer weather comes the rain; we might see more of this on Michigan Ave.

Around the South Loop: Christmas 2010

Christmas in the South Loop
Christmastime in the South Loop is special. With the mix of the old and new, the historical with the history making, the neighborhood's character is unique. When you look south on Prairie Ave. from 18th St., you can almost imagine what the street looked like when Marshall Field, Philip Armour, and George Pullman lived there.

History and Prairie Ave.
Some of the remnants of Prairie Ave. remain with us: the Kimball, Coleman, and Reid houses still stand. The home of John and Frances Glessner, at 1800 S. Prairie, is now the Glessner House Museum. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into society life in the late nineteenth century. The home is decorated in the English and American arts and crafts style which, before the Glessner's arrived on Prairie Ave., not too many people were familiar with.

The male servants entrance to the Glessner House.

Character Development
The South Loop neighborhood has developed it's own unique character. In the six years that I've lived in the area, I've seen many changes. I've stopped counting the new high-rises and town homes that were built since I bought my condo in 2004. Many businesses opened during those six years and unfortunately, some of them  didn't make it and are closed; it's tough being a small-business owner during these tough economic times. Still others survive and even prosper. That may be the reason the South Loop is still able to attract large retailers like Trader Joe's and Costco and small businesses like Donna's Cafe, which will be opening soon at 1255 S. State St.

SuccezZ athletic shoe store at 1329 S. Michigan Ave. has the coolest ashtray in town.

Maybe you bought a Christmas tree from Marcel Florist at 1471 S. Michigan Ave.

The Advent wreath at South Loop Community Church reminds us what the season is all about: Emmanuel, God is with us.

These sculptures look less menacing in the snow, but I'm still not a fan.

The tree at the Palmer House Hilton is pretty awesome, don't you think?

South Prairie Ave.: You can almost envision Marshall Field taking a stroll.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. Come back soon to find out what the South Loop was reading in 2010. I'll be counting down the top-ten posts.

Sincerely,
Stephen Reginald
South Loop Connection

Around the South Loop

Road work continues on S. Indiana Ave.

The tree of life arch above the front door of the Glessner House is a work of art.

Marcel Florist & Gardens at 1471 S. Michigan Ave. is selling Fraser fir Christmas tress.

South Loop landmark White Palace Grill on Roosevelt and Canal

Around the South Loop

New traffic lights were installed at 16th and 18th Streets along S. Indiana.

Urban renewal in Women's Park and Gardens:  The playhouse gets a much-needed face-lift.

Gone: The building at 1326 S. Michigan is no more.

Pick a pumpkin at Marcel Florist & Garden, 1471 S. Michigan.

 The unlucky person parked on 16th between S. Indiana and Michigan Ave. is in for a surprise.