From the Editorial Board: Successes like The LaSalle Chicago hotel give us hope that investing now could pay off for a downtown struggling to recover from the pandemic’s aftermath. Chicago must take care of its beating heart.
When the LaSalle Chicago hotel opened last year at 208 S. LaSalle St., it seemed like a long shot. The LaSalle Street Corridor has become emblematic of the downtown area’s struggle to recover from a pandemic that emptied offices as workers went remote.
Confronted with a downtown that COVID-19 turned from vibrant to desolate during her tenure, Lightfoot went all in. A newly constituted Chicago City Council may not, and the same goes for her successor, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, who gets sworn in on May 15. Asked about the LaSalle Street Corridor projects, a Johnson spokesperson did not comment.
Without strong city leadership, downtown’s recovery will be slow and spotty. As it stands, pedestrian traffic is finally starting to tick up, while theater, concerts and other cultural events downtown are drawing bigger crowds: “Hamilton” makes an ideally timed return this fall, likely selling out shows for several months, just as summer tourists exit. The Loop’s residential population is increasing, too.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Chicago weekend chaos: 'We don't condone that behavior'Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson spoke about the importance of Chicago and Springfield working together, but he also spoke out about the weekend violence in Chicago for the first time.
Read more »
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson kicks off Springfield visit with private meetingsChicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson wrapped up several hours of meetings with lawmakers from Chicago and across the state Tuesday night as he prepares to address the entire general assembly.
Read more »
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson in Springfield to address state lawmakersChicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is set to meet with the Illinois House Speaker and Senate President and then address the General Assembly.
Read more »
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson preaches unity, importance of Chicago to Illinois during Springfield visitMayor-elect Brandon Johnson pushed lawmakers to deliver funds for schools and youth employment while pitching legislators on Chicago's critical role in the state's success during his first visit to the state capitol since winning the election.
Read more »
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson addresses state lawmakers in SpringfieldChicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson was set to meet with the Illinois House Speaker and Senate President before addressing the General Assembly.
Read more »
Chicago Public Schools launches budget, increasing funding with hopes Brandon Johnson will help avert deficitChicago schools will get $150 million more next year to increase spending per pupil and target investments toward schools with the most need.
Read more »