18-Dec-16 – Before or after attending an Activate event this year, visitors to the Loop spent $860,745 at Loop businesses, estimates the organizer of the pop-up “urban celebrations” held in downtown alleys.

Chicago Loop Alliance says the amount is twice what was spent last year.

More than 17,000 people attended six events from May to October, each person spending an average of $48.82.

“These findings indicate our placemaking efforts have tangible economic impact and they are positively affecting the way people look at the Loop,” said CLA CEO/President Michael Edwards (left). “We’re excited about the results of our work this year and we look forward to continuing to attract people and investment into the downtown area.”

48 percent of people attending Activate events work in the Loop, according to a survey by CLA. 44 percent are 25 to 34 years old. 79 percent said the events made them feel good about the Loop and 96 percent said they would attend a future Activate event.

Since the first Activate was held in 2014, CLA estimates the total economic impact on the Loop has been at least $1.7 million.

New sculpture races into Loop (Above) Races, a 500-pound steel sculpture by Illinois artist Bobby Scribner, installed by Chicago Loop Alliance on November 14 on the State Street public plaza between Wacker Drive and Lake Street. According to CLA, the sculpture depicts abstract figures running into the Loop. “Whether the figures are competing against one another or moving together as one is unclear,” says CLA, “but an ongoing struggle to move forward prevails.” It will remain in the Loop until November 2017.