Why the West Loop? Outside of our walls, the surrounding neighborhood shares some of Chicago Beyond’s DNA in beautiful and interconnected ways. In the 1850’s, this area solidified Chicago as a leader in wholesale, manufacturing, and meatpacking. This neighborhood is also a place of resistance, where early protests of police brutality took place. It is a place of challenge and renewal, where some of the most city’s most dynamic energy – in restaurants and in enterprise – are taking shape.
Today, Fulton Market is the nexus for entrepreneurs, artists, tech magnates, and developers. Yet, over time, many who built up this area of our city have been pushed out. We believe all people belong here, with the same dynamism that is contributing to the renaissance of this neighborhood.
“As I think of this space, and who has the right to be here and be seen, it is truly all of us. It is the communities that we serve, it is our children. We see them. Here, we will be a force to be reckoned with. The good that will come from this space and be spread out into the world, will change what we know to be. We are here.”
Liz Dozier, Founder & CEO of Chicago Beyond