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Chicago & Midwest  + Downtown  + Retail  | 
Chicago pedestrain traffic November 2021 photo credit Adam Alexander

Loop Metrics Reach Highest Levels Since Pre-Pandemic

Office occupancy, pedestrian count, and CTA ridership in downtown Chicago all recently hit their highest-measured rates since the impact of the pandemic when compared to the same period in 2019, the Chicago Loop Alliance reported. 

In contrast to 2020, the Loop has been abuzz with holiday attractions in recent weeks. State Street pedestrians reached their highest monthly average yet; office human occupancy climbed to its highest point since the pandemic hit; and CTA ridership hit its highest rate compared to 2019 in October, the most recent data available.  

“After many downtown holiday traditions were postponed or taken virtual in 2020, it’s wonderful to see the Loop so vibrant and spirited this season,” said Chicago Loop Alliance president and CEO Michael Edwards. “The sidewalks are bustling, offices are fuller than at any point since the pandemic hit, and the energy is palpable.” 

Pictured: Loop street scene in November 2021. Photo credit: Adam Alexander.

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About Paul Bubny

Paul Bubny serves as Senior Content Director for Connect Commercial Real Estate, a role to which he brings 16-plus years’ experience covering the commercial real estate industry and 30-plus years in business-to-business journalism. In this capacity, he oversees daily operations while also reporting on both local/regional markets and national trends, covering individual transactions across all property types, as well as delving into broader subject matter. He produces 7-10 daily news stories per day and works with the Connect team and clients to develop longer-form content, ranging from Q&As to thought-leadership pieces. Prior to joining Connect, Paul was Managing Editor for both Real Estate Forum and GlobeSt.com at American Lawyer Media, where he oversaw operations at both publications while also producing daily news and feature-length articles. His tenure in B2B publishing stretches back into the print era, and he has served as Editor in Chief on four national trade publications. Since 1999, Paul has volunteered as the newsletter editor of passenger rail advocacy groups (one national, one local).

  • ◦Economy
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