CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An organization that tracks economic activity in the Loop has released their latest report and it indicates the number of people in Chicago's Loop is increasing.
Tracking economic recovery in downtown, the newest report from the Chicago Loop Alliance showed that pedestrians, office workers, and CTA ridership are at their highest rates since being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“After many downtown holiday traditions were postponed or taken virtual in 2020, it’s wonderful to see the Loop so vibrant and spirited this season,” said Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards, in a statement. “The sidewalks are bustling, offices are fuller than at any point since the pandemic hit, and the energy is palpable.”
On the street, WBBM Newsradio asked pedestrians what brought them to the Loop.
"Probably the restaurants," said one woman.
"We're here to come enjoy the Christkindlmarket and just spending time just enjoying the city," said another woman.
The Christkindlmarket was a popular answer by many, while others said they were on their way to the Van Gogh exhibit or ice skating rinks.
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But there is still plenty of room for recovery. Foot traffic is still only at 60 percent of pre-pandemic numbers and office occupancy is just under 40 percent. Parking garage volumes are at 52 percent of normal levels, while digital parking reservations have been consistently over 100 percent of their 2019 levels since July.
Meanwhile, hotels have been sitting within about five points of 60 percent, and are now at the second highest occupancy rate since before the pandemic.
"It's great to see that downtown hotel occupancy was on the rise in October for the third straight month after a summer peak," said Sandi Robinson, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Godfrey Hotel Chicago, in a statement. "We expect occupancy rates to climb even closer to 2019 levels in November and December. It's been wonderful to see downtown Chicago so vibrant again, and holiday visitors play a big part in that."
Additionally, CTA ridership levels steadily grew in October to reach their highest confirmed levels since March 2020. The agency reports 55 percent of 2019 levels for the week of Oct. 25. Station entry data finds that Loop stations like State/Lake and Clark/Lake remain some of Chicago’s busiest.