according to the chicago loop alliance's report:
1. there are only 46,000 residents in the loop (so it's not possible that the population increased by 50,000).
2. that 46,000 number incorporates a very broad definition of the "loop" - it goes all the way to the lake on the east and roosevelt on the south. the chicago loop alliance doesn't even consider the area south of ida b wells to be in their area - but it's in the loop for purposes of the 46,000 number.
3. i agree that the north east loop (that old driving range that my first law firm worked on the redevelopment of) and south loop have changed dramatically and added a ton of residential high rises/residents - and there's been some development along michigan as well - but that's not what we're talking about. we're talking about the areas along lasalle/wacker/etc. those areas have a ton of underused buildings and little hope of transforming them into an actual residential area people want to live.
It would not be my first choice but it’s added 50,000 residents since 2000. Way different place.
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