Chicago West Loop

Art, markets and gourmet goodies abound in this former industrial district

- JENNI REID

1 UNION STATION

Chicago’s central Loop district contains many of the city’s best-known sites, and there is some buzzing nightlife to be found to its north.

But the West Loop – a former industrial district that has spent the past decade building a trendy reputation – offers some great restaurants and bars, as well as small businesses and a community feel.

Begin at Union Station, in the area’s southeast corner. The Beaux Arts structure was designed by Daniel Burnham, the architect behind New York’s Flatiron Building, and opened in 1925.

Its exterior is made from Indiana limestone but it’s the interior that is most impressive, with dark oak benches sitting on an expansive marble floor, surrounded by imposing classical-style columns and statues, all covered by a 67-metre long, barrel-vaulted skylight.

Owner Amtrak is spending tens of millions of dollars on refreshing the building, two-thirds of which is not currently accessible to the public. So far that has included recarpeting the staircase that features in 1987 movie The Untouchables and refurbishing former lounges. Outside, it is planning a new green public space and entrance on the western side. Rail and architecture buffs can book a one-hour tour (US$20). chicagounionstation.com

2 KAVI GUPTA GALLERY