student housing in the loop

in residence: construction of downtown dorms is bringing more students into the loop

(Chicago Tribune - September 10, 2000 - Real Estate).

Holst is a student of Columbia College, whose Michigan Avenue main building is set on the largest, most exciting "campus" in Illinois [downtown Chicago]. With an estimated enrollment of 40,000 students in and near the Loop, downtown Chicago is a growing hot spot for education. Holst, who comes from a suburban environment, wanted more diversity:

"Some people find downtown to be a culture shock, but I feel comfortable and perfectly safe there."

She thinks an urban school is more reality based: "Some students at campuses just want to have fun." The vibrancy of the 24-hour city is one of its lures. "Downtown Chicago is alive. It's a magnet that draws students from the metropolitan area, the region and the world." He [Mayor Richard Daley] added that colleges and universities have "a huge economic impact and bring young people downtown to add to the spirit of the city." A report by the planning department notes that "colleges and universities have become increasingly prominent in the South Loop." The State/Conress property "is located in a growing academic and cultural district" surrounded by such uses as MacCormac College, DePaul University, School of the Art Institute, Roosevelt University, John Marshall Law, Spertus College, Columbia College and Robert Morris College. "This is a world-class city. What better place is there to study?"

Another benefit of urban education is the opportunity for part-time employment and internships in the field being studied. Depaul University has been looking for downtown housing for 10 years, according to McHugh: "In a test a year ago, we found 1,200 students who said the would live downtown. The Loop has become a livelier place, with stronger retail and the blossoming of the Theatre District." With the increased demand, Roosevelt's Gross sees a need for more housing: "We're seriously looking at more student housing." The economic impact of student spending is significant, according to Bert Gall, executive vice president at Columbia College: "Colleges and universities are an increasingly large component of downtown life."