So Is It "The Loop" Or Is It "The Circle"? (Elgin: real estate, apartment)

[KevK]

I just wondered. When I lived there, it was "The Loop". It was "30 minutes to the loop". Now, when I come to visit, it is "30 minutes to the circle" on the DOT signs over the expressways. So is it now "the Circle"? Is their going to be a radio station called "Circle FM" now?

[NYC2CHI]

The "Circle" is the freeway interchange where Kennedy, Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways meet. Makes sense to refer to this in the context of driving times. Being just west of the Loop, it can also be construed as being the time to the Loop.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

The "Circle" is the freeway interchange where Kennedy, Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways meet. Makes sense to refer to this in the context of driving times. Being just west of the Loop, it can also be construed as being the time to the Loop.

I see but that is mightly confusing to out of town people.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

The "Circle" is the freeway interchange where Kennedy, Dan Ryan and Eisenhower expressways meet.

at least we evolved to the point where "The Circle" remains a great name for an interchange, but a pretty rotten on for a university next to it which no longer carries the monikor.

[NYC2CHI]

Originally Posted by KevK

I see but that is mightly confusing to out of town people.

Agree with you there. Perhaps the time to 290 or Eisenhower Expwy would be most useful for all drivers.

[NYC2CHI]

Originally Posted by NYC2CHI

Agree with you there. Perhaps the time to 290 or Eisenhower Expwy would be most useful for all drivers.

...if you're on the Kennedy or Dan Ryan. And similar for Eisenhower travelers.

[Chicago60614]

The Loop is the central business district, or the route of the L trains downtown.

The Circle is the interchange where 290/90/94 meet.

They're both very different things. The Circle is located in The Loop.

[Avengerfire]

^The Circle is not located in The Loop.^

[Irishtom29]

The Loop, strictly speaking, is the area enclosed by the old Lake St. El tracks---Lake on the north, Van Buren on the south, Wabash on the east and Wells on the west. When you're in THE Loop, (as opposed to recent real estate agent names like "South Loop" and "West Loop") that's where you are.

I recently saw a building at Oakley and Washington called "West Loop". There should be a law. And an apartment in Oak Park advertised as "close to the Loop and UIC". Yeah, real close, only 7 or 8 miles.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by KevK

I see but that is mightly confusing to out of town people.

Well, radio announcers use several terms or art. Do you know the identity of 'the junction' or 'Hubbard's cave'? Those are terms for commuters -- not tourists.

Actually, if they used the name of one it would be more confusing, since the Elgin-O'Hare expressway goes to neither of those destinations. I think that naming highways after politicians and others is what makes directions confusing. The 'Bishop Ford'? What does that have to do with anything? It's I-94, y'all.