“Look for the Golden Arches!”, a saying Chicagoans can say again after McDonald’s officially moved back into Chicago after 47 years. Their new corporate office opened in the West Loop in 2018, followed by an opening celebration attended by Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel.

McDonald’s Chicago office employs more than 2,000 people and feature “work neighborhoods”. This gives employees the chance to decide what habitat will suit their work best. Open floor plans, communal tables, huddle rooms, and a tech bar are available for employees.

Many of these employees relocate to the city, specifically the West Loop. This neighborhood has quickly developed over the past few years and is now one of top places to live in the city. Here at Luxury Living Chicago, we’ve compiled a guide for living in the West Loop.

Things to Do in the West Loop

Once a meatpacking district, the West Loop has transformed itself into a residential hotspot, dining sanctuary, and nightlife haven. The area boasts with specialty grocery stores, fitness centers, arts galleries, and of course Chicago sports.

City Winery is a must-see in the West Loop. Here, you’ll find a fully functioning winery with intimate concerts, food and wine classes, and fine dining. Michael Dorf, CEO and founder, succeeded in bringing the wine country into the middle of busy Chicago.

Another attraction in the West Loop that you can’t miss is the Fulton Market Kitchen. This point of interest is part restaurant, part lounge, and part art gallery. Artwork from local artists lines the walls while you indulge in dishes like the acorn squash ravioli or the pork shoulder.

The West Loop is most well known for their restaurant and bar scene though. You can hit up the infamous Girl and the Goat for an award-winning meal or checkout Wishbone for a taste of southern cooking. As for spirits and brews, head over to Bar Siena to be greeted by a post-work crowd. This bar delivers the perfect atmosphere for relaxing with the combination of outdoor seating and hand crafted cocktails.  

Make sure to check out our restaurant and bar guide to the West Loop for more favorites.

West Loop Apartments Near the McDonald’s Headquarters

The Dylan

Located at 160 N Morgan Street, these brand new Fulton Market apartments are situated near endless Michelin stars, designer icons, and lively cocktail lounges. Apartments at The Dylan offer unparalleled sophisticated living with features including floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, in-unit laundry, waterfall-edge white quartz countertops, and exposed architectural concrete ceilings, just to name a few. The Dylan’s amenity suite is everything you could ask for and then some. From poolside cabanas for lazy days to co-working spaces for heads-down time and fitness studios to burn off some energy.

The Elizabeth

These spacious Fulton Market apartments boast floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, and pristine waterfall-edge white quartz countertops. Enjoy lavish amenities including a pool with cabanas, collaborative co-working spaces, and a cutting-edge fitness center. Embrace a unique urban lifestyle with on-site pet suite facilities and green spaces. Positioned in the transformed Fulton Market, The Elizabeth stands as a luxurious address where startups, businesses, and culture converge seamlessly.

The Parker

This luxury high-rise is not only a poster child for modernity, it also has the perfect location, pinpointed next to the Fulton Market. The Parker’s units feature frameless glass showers, kitchen islands with counter height seating, and unobstructed Chicago views. A gym with yoga studio and smartphone integrated cardio equipment keeps residents fit, while the pool keeps them relaxed.

If you’re interested in learning more about the West Loop or making it your future home, contact Luxury Living Chicago today.

Editors Note: This blog was originally published in June 2018 and has been refreshed and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.