Build it and they will come.
Located between Chicago's Loop and Chinatown, near McCormick Place and Grant Park on the east and the University of Illinois campus on the west, the South Loop/University Village area is undergoing significant change. 
As in so many other downtown areas, large cranes and construction are redefining the landscape. Attractive town homes and condos are steadily replacing industrial buildings, and as this residential community grows, so grow the stores that serve it.
Shopping in the South Loop/University Village is far less concentrated than other areas around the city. Although stores are spread out, making it more difficult to walk and shop, a number of stores are worth a visit when you’re in the neighborhood. New stores, from clothing boutiques to upscale specialty stores, are opening up shop here.
Roosevelt Road (12th Street) is the Main Street for everyday necessities.
Parking lots and CTA stops serve the two supermarket chains, Jewel and Dominick’s, as well as Staples, and the closest-to-downtown Target superstore. And don't miss the recently opened Home Depot and DSW (Shoes).
Printer’s Row area has a few notable stops, including Loopy Yarns – a knitter’s paradise with yarns, supplies and classes, Printer’s Row Fine Wines, and Printer’s Row Rare Books. (Note: South Loop pioneer Prairie Avenue Bookstore has moved from its neighborhood of historic homes into Chicago's Loop.)
There’s a growing retail presence at Halsted and Roosevelt, near the University of Illinois campus. Breathe Boutique and Lissa on Maxwell, both upscale women’s clothing & accessory boutiques, Lush Wine & Spirits, and the single largest Barbara’s Bookstore with its own performance space, are part of the new commercial development that includes numerous casual restaurants. This area shows promise for additional retail space as new construction is completed.
Other upscale boutiques in the area include Heelz, a small women’s shoe boutique for designer shoes from Italy, and Hazel, a gift shop in the Taylor Street area, that sells note cards, women’s accessories, baby gifts, and candles.
We’ll keep our eyes on this area as stores move into this growing residential community.
2006-2007:
Newly Opened: DSW, Home Depot, Lissa on Maxwell
Recently Closed: Breathe Boutique
Coming Soon: Whole Foods
What you'll find here:
Accessories: DSW, Heelz
Clothing Boutiques:Flaunt Boutique, Lissa on Maxwell
Gift Shops: Hazel
Home Furnishings/Improvement: Home Depot
Grocery/Convenience: Dominick’s, Jewel, Target
Specialty Stores: Barbara’s Bookstore, Loopy Yarns, Lush Fine Wines & Spirits, Pet Particulars, Printers Row Fine Wines, Printers Row Rare Books, Staples
Nearby Shopping Destinations: Chinatown, The Loop, Magnificent Mile, West Loop
For more information, visit Chicago Traveler to see a Printer's Row Neighborhood Guide.
SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - E. Engquist.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping. Publ. 11/06.
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