Loop · Then vs Now
Loop: 2025-02 vs 2026-02
A side-by-side look at how Loop shifted between two periods.
| 2025-02 | 2026-02 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permits | 169 | 162 | -4% |
| Construction value ($) | $95,509,100 | $66,259,016 | -31% |
| New business licenses | 93 | 98 | +5% |
| Business closings (proxy) | 0 | 0 | — |
| 311 service requests | 824 | 986 | +20% |
| Reported crimes | 611 | 591 | -3% |
| Violent crimes | 125 | 132 | +6% |
| Failed food inspections | 4 | 21 | +425% |
2025-02
Loop permits fall but $95.5M construction value jumps 26%
The Loop issued 169 permits in February, down 20% from January's 212. But the total construction value climbed to $95.5 million, a 26% increase. Express permits made up 110 of the month's activity, with 34 renovation-and-alteration jobs behind them. Thirteen elevator permits, six new-construction permits, and five sign permits rounded out the list. No new business licenses or closures showed up in the city's February register.
2026-02
Loop crime reports jump 72% as graffiti calls spike
Crime reports in the Loop hit 591 in February, up 72% from January's 343. Violent incidents rose 59% to 132. Service requests also climbed 34%, driven by 254 graffiti removal calls and 145 pothole complaints. New business licenses jumped 24% to 98—among them G3 Jewelers, Tower House (a retail food spot), and American Montessori Academy - Printers Row. Permits dropped 18% to 162, though dollar value held steadier at $66 million. Express permits accounted for 104 of the total. What's behind the crime spike? The data doesn't say.
New businesses — 2025-02
- BAAKO BUILD LLC (Regulated Business License)
- COMPLETE LEGAL (Limited Business License)
- CHICAGO ENGINEERS FOUNDATION (Raffles)
- WINDY CITY DIAMONDS LLC (Limited Business License)
- Tamu: Restaurant and Sangria Bar (Consumption on Premises - Incidental Activity)
- Avi Diamond Company LLC (Limited Business License)
- TRANSPERFECT TRANSLATIONS INTERNATIONAL INC. (Limited Business License)
- PREMIUM CASTING INC. (Manufacturing Establishments)
- THE KTM KITCHEN (Retail Food Establishment)
- SEOULSPICE (Retail Food Establishment)
New businesses — 2026-02
- G3 JEWELERS (Limited Business License)
- GATEWAY NEWS STAND (Retail Food Establishment)
- ARCWIDE INC. (Limited Business License)
- THE WELLNESS MACHINE (Limited Business License)
- Addison Group (Limited Business License)
- Tower House (Retail Food Establishment)
- 211 W Wacker Expansive LLC (Limited Business License)
- MELA (Retail Food Establishment)
- AMERICAN MONTESSORI ACADEMY - PRINTERS ROW (Children's Services Facility License)
- Tower House (Retail Food Establishment)