1-Nov-20 – A mural honoring the 370,000 people who work in the Loop has been installed on a building along Ida B. Wells Drive, formerly known as Congress Parkway.

The mural was commissioned by Chicago Loop Alliance as part of its “Loop Employee of the Month” program that has been ongoing since March 2019.

Chicago artist Dwight White completed the mural on October 26. He says the mural contains symbols that represent past winners of the Loop Employee of the Month award.

“I loved the design process as I was challenged to creatively weave a tribute to each winner into the artwork,” said White (left).

“You will see that each element of the mural has a significant meaning. After the global pandemic and months of quarantine, I believe this mural will have an even greater impact and meaning to all who work in the Loop,” he said.

Lightscape installation retired after nine years

Chicago Loop Alliance has removed the light and sound installation that had lined State Street since 2011.

Lightscape was a year-round art installation in planter boxes on State Street from Lake Street south to Van Buren Street. Colors and patterns, choreographed to music, changed with the seasons and special occasions.

“When we installed Lightscape in 2011, we did so with the understanding that its lifespan would be about five years,” said CLA President/CEO Michael Edwards. “We’re glad it was a part of State Street for nearly twice that length of time, but in our ongoing efforts to promote the Loop as a world-class destination, it is time for a re-imagining.”

The installation’s design team was led by Site Design Group, a Chicago landscape architecture firm. (Right) A Lightscape installation near Jackson Drive in 2012.

CLA says it will keep Lightscape’s electrical sources as they consider a replacement.