Action at Million’s Crab location

It’s been well over a year ago that the “coming soon” banner went up at 1329 S. Michigan Ave. But there was work being done inside this weekend and it’s continuing this week.

Currently, there are three locations for Million’s Crab: two in Ohio and one in Wisconsin. The menu looks great, so here’s hoping this location opens soon.

To check out what we might be experiencing here in the South Loop, click on the menu link to this small chain.

Work inside 1329 S. Michigan Ave. seems to have resumed.

Oh, Happy Day! Dollar Tree Is Open in the South Loop

The Dollar Tree at 627 W. Roosevelt Road is officially open. We could say, “What took you so long,” but we’re glad it’s finally here now.

This new location is bright and clean and is stocked with most of the items you expect to find at a Dollar Tree. One addition this store has is a section of items priced at $5.00. Many of the items in this section would be found in the home goods section of Target or Walmart.

In some sections of the store, the inventory is a little sparse, but it appears they are still stocking inventory.

The store accepts EBT, has a frozen/refrigerated foods section, and greeting cards by Expressions from Hallmark.

Are you a Dollar Tree shopper? What products do you stock all the time and what items do you avoid?

Take a short stroll through the new South Loop Dollar Tree.

Store Hours:

• Mon: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Tue: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Wed: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Thu: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Fri: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Sat: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Sun: 9:00am - 9:00pm

Chicago 2020 Auto Show at McCormick Place

The 2020 Chicago Auto Show—the nation’s largest auto show—is back at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin King Jr. Drive. The Auto Show will occupy the North and South Buildings. The show is open to the general public on February 8 through February 17.

Public Show
Feb. 8-16 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Feb 17 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Ticket Prices
$13 for adults
$8 for seniors aged 62 and older
$8 for children 7-12
Free Admission for children 6 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. Family members only.

To purchase tickets online click here.

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 112th edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

2020 Mustang convertible interior

Film Noir classic “Mystery Street” to screen at Glessner House Museum March 29

The film noir classic Mystery Street (1950) will screen at Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., on March 29 at 7 p.m. The screening is part of the Glessner House’s birthday celebration for Frances (Fanny) Glessner Lee, a multi-day celebration of her life and pioneering work in the field of forensic science.

Glessner Lee was instrumental in launching the field of forensic science through her endowment of the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard Medical School in 1932 (the first in the country). Mystery Street is the first film to feature the role of forensics in the solving of crimes, specifically murder and unexplained deaths.

Lobby card for Mystery Street

Oak Park, Illinois native, John Sturges (The Magnificent Seven – 1960, The Great Escape – 1963) directed Mystery Street. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Writing, Motion Picture Story for Leonard Spigelgass. The film was well received by critics in 1950 and today it is considered a classic in the film noir genre. Mystery Street follows the murder of a young woman whose decomposed body is identified with the help of a forensics expert at Harvard University. Locations featured in the film include Harvard Medical School in Roxbury, Massachusetts and Harvard University in Cambridge. The film stars Ricardo Montalban as State Police Lt. Peter Morales assigned to the case.

Filmed mostly on location in Boston by cinematographer John Alton (Father of the Bride – 1950, Elmer Gantry – 1960) the film has a grittiness that studio-bound productions from that period lacked. Alton won an Academy Award for cinematography for his filming of the ballet sequence in An American in Paris (1951) and wrote Painting with Light (1949), which was one of the first books written by a studio cinematographer.

Dr. McAdoo (Bruce Bennett), second from left, and Lt. Morales (Montalban) examine skeletal remains of the victim

Time magazine said that “…Director John Sturges and Scripters Sydney Boehm and Richard Brooks have treated the picture with such taste and craftsmanship that it is just about perfect.” The New York Times noted that Montalban gives a performance that is “natural and unassuming.”

Tickets for this event are $15 per person, $12 for members. For more information on this event, click here.


A National Historic Landmark, Glessner House was designed by noted American architect Henry Hobson Richardson and completed in 1887. It remains an internationally-known architectural treasure in Chicago. A radical departure from traditional Victorian architecture, the structure served as an inspiration to architects such as Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and the young Frank Lloyd Wright and helped redefine domestic architecture.

Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show Opens Today

Progressive Chicago Boat, RV and Sail Show opens today and runs through January 13 at McCormick Place (South Loop) Chicago, Illinois. The annual event features more than 150 hourly sailing seminars, as well as exhibits featuring sail boats, power boats, and RVs.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.

Chicago Auto Show February 9 – 18, 2019 at McCormick Place

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 111th edition of the Chicago Auto Show.

Ford Mustang from the 2017 Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show utilizes more than 1 million square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls of the McCormick Place complex. McCormick Place offers a total of 2.7 million square feet of exhibit halls with an additional 700,000 square feet of meeting room availability.

For more information on the auto show and to purchase tickets, click here.

Loft Walk Saturday, December 15

Loft Walk  

Saturday, December 15

Noon- 5:00 pm

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Join your South Loop neighbors for the 20th annual Loft Walk. To celebrate the occasion, the walk features a special “Deck the Halls” version of the event. This highly anticipated event offers visitors a unique experience to see inside 8-12 urban residences and businesses. 

This is the South Loop Neighbor’s most successful fundraiser of the year and all proceeds will benefit the 501(c)(3) non-profit community organization.

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To volunteer, email: loftwalk@southloopneighbors.org

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To purchase your tickets: https://squareup.com/store/south-loop-neighbors/

Advanced Purchase: $30 

Day of Ticket: $40

“American Street Kid” debuts in Chicago December 11

In American Street Kid, filmmaker Michael Leoni takes you on a journey into a world that most people don’t know exists. A world where in order to survive, kids are forced to sell drugs, beg for money or sell their bodies. Their powerful stories are heartbreaking and their unrelenting hope and determination to create a better life shines through, in this true tale of love, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit.

For more information, visit www.americanstreetkid.com.

Raiders of the Lost Ark at Daniel Webster Park, Chicago July 17, 2017

The Greater South Loop Association is presenting Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) free of charge at Daniel Webster Park, 1357 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60605. The movie starts at dusk.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first (and best) movie in the Indiana Jones franchise. The film takes place in 1936, five years before the United States entered World War II. Raiders stars Harrison Ford as professor and archaeologist Indiana Jones and Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, daughter of his mentor, Abner Ravenwood. Jones, at the request of the United States Army, is on the hunt for the ancient Ark of the Covenant as described in the Book of Exodus. The Bible describes the Ark as a gold-covered wooden chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. When the Israelites carried the Ark into battle, they were victorious. The Nazis are searching for the Ark because they believe whoever possesses it will be invincible. Jones races against time and Dr. Rene Belloq, a competing archaeologist who is working with the Nazis, to get to the Ark first.

Lawrence Kasdan (Fatal Attraction) wrote the screenplay, from a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Steven Spielberg directed the action-packed adventure that was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The memorable score, featuring “The Raiders March” was written by John Williams and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Harrison Ford and Karen Allen pose this shot on the set of Raiders.

Backstory: Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones, but had to drop out due to his commitment to the television series Magnum P.I. Debra Winger was offered the role of Marion Ravenwood, but she turned it down. Actress Sean Young auditioned for the part, but Spielberg was set on Karen Allen after seeing her in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978). Alfred Molina, who played director Robert Aldrich in Feud: Bette and Joan, made his film debut as Satipo in Raiders.

Happy Fourth of July!

Stay safe!

Free movie in Grant Park: “Jumanji” June 13

The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) and Century 21 SGR will present Jumanji (1995) in Grant Park (near the Logan monument, Michigan and 9th St.). The fantasy stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce.

What’s it about?
A magical board game unleashes a world of adventure on siblings Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst). While exploring an old mansion, the youngsters find a curious, jungle-themed game called Jumanji in the attic. When they start playing, they free Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who’s been stuck in the game’s inner world for decades. If they win Jumanji, the kids can free Alan for good—but that means braving giant bugs, ill-mannered monkeys and even stampeding rhinos!

The film is rated PG. Movie will start at dusk.

Other movies scheduled in the South Loop include the following:
June 27: Rogue One at Daniel Webster Park.
July 10: Raiders of the Lost Ark at Daniel Webster Park
August 16: Zootopia at Cottontail Park.

A Walk Through Time—Sunday, June 11, 2017

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Glessner House Museum

This very special tour provides attendees with the rare opportunity to visit the interiors of several historic homes in the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Following the tour, attendees are invited to return to the museum for a reception and silent auction, featuring theatre tickets, Chicago memorabilia, collectibles, architectural fragments, and other items of interest.

Homes included on this year’s tour:
-William Kimball house, 1801 S. Prairie Avenue (Solon S. Beman, architect; 1890-1892)
-Joseph Coleman house, 1811 S. Prairie Avenue (Cobb & Frost, architects; 1886)
-Elbridge Keith house, 1900 S. Prairie Avenue (John Roberts, architect; 1870)
-Charles Purdy house, 213 E. Cullerton Street, (Thomas & Rapp, architects; 1891)
-William Reid house, 2013 S. Prairie Avenue (Beers, Clay & Dutton, architects; 1894)
-Harriet Rees house, 2017 S. Prairie Avenue (Cobb & Frost, architects; 1888)

William Kimball House 1801 S. Prairie Avenue

Glessner House Museum is also included on the tour as well as historic Second Presbyterian Church with its landmarked Arts and Crafts interior and collection of Tiffany windows. Clarke House Museum will be open to the public for free that afternoon.

Following the tour, attendees are invited to return to the museum courtyard for a reception featuring a jazz trio, appetizers donated by Armand's Victory Tap, Cafe Bionda, and Tapas Valencia, wine and beer donated by Binny's Beverage Depot, and a silent auction that includes theatre tickets, Chicago memorabilia, collectibles, and other items of interest.

Pre-purchased tickets recommended.

$50 per person/$40 members (member coupon code required)

Purchase Tickets

Personal and Professional Productivity in the Digital Age A Workshop at Catalyst Ranch on Tuesday, May 9

Where: Catalyst Ranch, 656 West Randolph Street #3W, Chicago, IL 60661
When: May 9, 2017
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Are you… drowning in piles? feeling overwhelmed?  under-valued?  in over your head? Is your life characterized by… busyness? too much stuff to do? too many ideas that never get accomplished?

Stop taking this productivity tip and that efficiency trick and never making progress.  Learn to develop a productivity system from two local, social entrepreneurs who have become experts at productivity.

Running a nonprofit and a business, Brandon and Amanda Neely owners of Overflow Coffee Bar, L3C had to figure out how to be productive and keep their sanity in the process. They were able to create tactics and overcome the obstacles of being overwhelmed. They were able to control their inbox rather than their inbox controlling them.

Productivity is so individualized. What works for 1 person won't work always for another.
During this workshop, attendees will learn:

• The step-by-step process for developing your own unique productivity system.
• How to defeat the piles and the over abundance of too many options and too much on
your to-do list.
• About the tools you need and how to control them (rather than let them control you).
• How to setting up a digital command center.
• How to tame your inbox instead of it eating at your time.

More details and registration are available at overflowyourproductivity.eventbrite.com. Save $10 by registering before May 2.

Man beaten and car stolen in South Loop

This from DNAinfo:

CHICAGO — A group of men beat a man and stole his car in the South Loop on Wednesday night, police said.

At 11:19 p.m., the man was leaving work from a parking garage in the 800 block of South Wabash Avenue when five or six men swarmed around his car and blocked the exit, police said. The men beat the victim and one of them got into the car and drove away.

The victim was treated for injuries at the police station, police said.

The man in the car, who was 18, was found and taken into custody, police said, but the others got away. Charges were pending. 

South Loop parking space needed for active duty Marine

Dear readers, see the clipping of the Facebook post below. If you know of a parking space that is available, please contact Margaret Kairis via her Facebook page. To send her a message, click here. You will be taken to her Facebook page.

2017 Chicago Auto Show #CAS17

The Chicago Auto Show opens to the general public today, Saturday, February 11 at McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL. Public show times: February 11-19 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; February 20 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest show of its kind in North America. First held in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. This year marks the 108th edition. The Chicago Auto Show utilizes more than 1 million square feet in the North and South Exhibit Halls of the McCormick Place complex.

Collier’s Magazine piece promoting the 1939 Chicago Auto Show.

McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place. Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe underground garages. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Upper and Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.

Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround toll-free at (773) 439-9940.

Scooter rentals are $50.00 a day and wheelchair rentals are $20.00 a day. Scootaround accepts all major credit cards. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro from this year’s Chicago Auto Show 

McCormick Place is easily reached by car or public transportation. Extensive shuttle bus service from all area parking lots to and from McCormick Place. Weekend-only shuttle service from the Millennium Park and East Monroe underground garages. Shuttles stop in 10-15 minute intervals near Columbus/Upper and Lower Randolph and at Gate 3 at McCormick Place.

Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting Scootaround toll-free at (773) 439-9940.

Scooter rentals are $50.00 a day and wheelchair rentals are $20.00 a day. Scootaround accepts all major credit cards. Scootaround is located at Gate 4 of McCormick Place (west end of the Grand Concourse). While Scootaround will make every effort to accommodate all needs, you are encouraged to reserve in advance.

Tickets are available at our McCormick Place ticket booths on public show days or online at ChicagoAutoShow.com and https://tickets.drivechicago.com. (Show box office closes one hour before the show closes.)

$13 for adults

$7 for seniors aged 62 and older

$7 for children 7-12

Free Admission for children 6 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. Family members only.

THINK! South Loop

Park Community Church South Loop, 1550 S. State Street (Daystar Center) will be hosting THINK! South Loop for three days: January 24 – 26, 7 – 9 p.m.

A lot of people have issues with Christianity. It’s common for society to see religion as out of touch with reality, regressive, irrelevant. Has science proved Christianity wrong? Why is the church so concerned with human sexuality? If there is a God, why is there so much evil? Whether you’ve been a Christian for a long time and have asked some of these questions or are skeptical of religion, you are invited to join the conversation. Register online at thinksouthloop.com. This event it free, but RSVPs are appreciated. To RSVP click here.

Free screening of classic film “Flying Down to Rio” at Second Presbyterian Church

There will be a free screening of the classic film Flying Down to Rio (1933) at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, Friday, February 17, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The film features Long time church member Etta Moten Barnett (1901 –2004).

Etta Moten Barnett was an American actress and singer. She performed on stage in a revival of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, which became a signature role. On film she appeared in Pre-Code classics Ladies They Talk About (1933) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Gold Diggers of 1933 where she sang the classic “My Forgotten Man” with the film’s star Joan Blondell. In addition to appearing in films, her singing voice was dubbed for African American actress Theresa Harris in the film Professional Sweetheart starring Ginger Rogers (1933).

Flying Down to Rio features Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in their first film together, although Dolores del Rio and Gene Raymond are top-billed. Moten Barnett sings “The Carioca” while Rogers and Astaire performs the dance of the same name.

Etta Moten Barnett

Besides her connection to Second Presbyterian Church, Moten Barnett was active in the National Council of Negro Women, the Chicago Lyric Opera, Field and DuSable Museums, and the South Side Community Center.

Barnett Moten died of pancreatic cancer in 2004 at the age of 102.

The screening of this film is A Black History Month Event presented in celebration of the 175th Anniversary of Second Presbyterian Church. Free popcorn and soft drinks will be served at the movie screening.

Free Coffee at Stan's Donuts Today - January 17

To celebrate their new coffee provider, La Colombe, Stan’s Donuts will be offering a free small house roast with any purchase all day.

According to the press release, “My vision for Stan’s has always been to make great donuts, of course, but also to serve great coffee,” says Chief Doughboy, Rich Labriola.

Happy Thanksgiving from South Loop Connection