River West vs West Loop - are they one and the same? (Chicago: loft, neighborhoods)

[Link N. Parker]

One thing I always noticed is that the area west of the Loop, across the river, is oftentimes referred to as West Loop, but sometimes it is known as River West.

Are these two different areas, or are they synonymous for the same area?

[emathias]

Originally Posted by Link N. Parker

One thing I always noticed is that the area west of the Loop, across the river, is oftentimes referred to as West Loop, but sometimes it is known as River West.

Are these two different areas, or are they synonymous for the same area?

The West Loop is west of the Loop. River West is northwest of the Loop, west of River North.

[snoylekim]

My understanding is they are two separate areas, with probably some discussion around where the border would actually be. The West Loop extends from around Fulton on the North , The Eisenhower Expressway on the South , the Chicago River on the East , and gosh knows exactly where on the west; some take it to the United Center..some to Ashland . River West is the area to the immediate north, bounded by the north branch of the River on the east , and extending to what's known as West Town . I'm not sure what the western boundary would be . There's some subjectivity in this, given these are newer 'neighborhoods' . There are also divisions within the West Loop, for example the 'Fulton River District', West Loop Gate, and Greek Town . Others can chime in with their interpretation.

[Lisah168]

Originally Posted by snoylekim

My understanding is they are two separate areas, with probably some discussion around where the border would actually be. The West Loop extends from around Fulton on the North , The Eisenhower Expressway on the South , the Chicago River on the East , and gosh knows exactly where on the west; some take it to the United Center..some to Ashland . River West is the area to the immediate north, bounded by the north branch of the River on the east , and extending to what's known as West Town . I'm not sure what the western boundary would be . There's some subjectivity in this, given these are newer 'neighborhoods' . There are also divisions within the West Loop, for example the 'Fulton River District', West Loop Gate, and Greek Town . Others can chime in with their interpretation.

My understanding is West Loop, River West and also Kingsbury Park area of the River North are all new neighborhoods, relatively speaking. Could someone describe some of the major characteristics of these neighborhoods?

[Plzeň]

River West is a really small neighborhood that is part of West Town and mostly boxed in by the river, railroad tracks, and the expressway:

West Town, Chicago - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

West Loop is a larger and seemingly (to me anyway) less rigidly defined area, but is definitely south of River West, and part of the Near West Side:

Near West Side, Chicago - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[snoylekim]

Originally Posted by Lisah168

My understanding is West Loop, River West and also Kingsbury Park area of the River North are all new neighborhoods, relatively speaking. Could someone describe some of the major characteristics of these neighborhoods?

Very generally, River West and the portion of West Loop that is West of the expressway are mid-rise and low rise new developments with a lot of Loft and warehouse conversions . The area was light industry and part of 'skid row' before redevelopment. The Northeast part of the West Loop ( 'Fulton River District') has had a lot of high rise developments, mixed with loft conversions . There's been a lot of community pressure to keep high rises east of the Kennedy, but with some plans for what are now parking lots in Greektown, that could change . The Southeast part of West Loop is primarily loft conversions ,with one or two mid-rises . There's also the Presidential Towers development, for which the less said the better .
IMHO, River West and the North and Western parts of the West Loop still have pockets that haven't been developed that provide glimpses into what the area had been .
Businesses are represented by the big chain Food and Drug retailers ( Jewel, Dominicks, Marianos, Wal*Mart, Walgreens) , and the restaurant corridor on Randolph Street . There's also a Fiat dealer. There are smaller art galleries and specialty shops . Businesses are also represented in smaller 'Lofticces' and , there's a new Consumer products corridor on Jefferson Street with Pepsico-Chicago, Hillshire Farms, and Miller-Coors to the immediate east . In short, there's a lot of residential and business diversity in a relatively small area.

[marothisu]

No, they are not the same.

[Link N. Parker]

Thanks everyone, great responses.

[It'sAutomatic]

Originally Posted by Lisah168

My understanding is West Loop, River West and also Kingsbury Park area of the River North are all new neighborhoods, relatively speaking. Could someone describe some of the major characteristics of these neighborhoods?

They've had people living in them at least since the city was founded, so they're not new at all, but sure they have a lot of new construction. West Loop in particular has a pretty rich history.

[Ms_Rae]

I moved to Fulton River District last year and have heard people claim it as part of River West, West Town, West Loop (which I thought ended at Fulton on the north), and Near West. I usually just stick to FRD to make it simple. Good post, good info--thanks!