Loop Migrant Shelter Closed, but Businesses Still Feel the Effects
Impact on Local Businesses
For over a year, the former Standard Club in Chicago’s Loop was used as a shelter for new arrivals. However, since the shelter’s closure, nearby business owners are still feeling the negative impact.
Lost Revenue and Closures
George Liakopoulos, the former owner of Plymouth Restaurant, across from the former Standard Club, reported losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. This led him to close his business. "You could not do business there," he said. As the shelter grew, Liakopoulos said customers started avoiding the block due to crowding on the street and a sharp rise in crime.
Recorded Incidents and Calls for Service
At its peak, the former Standard Club housed over 1,200 new arrivals. Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th) stated that the repeated calls for emergency services, with a total of 890 calls since the shelter opened, often numerous times in a single day, were a major concern. City records showed a 31% increase in reported crimes on the block, including theft, assault, drug possession, and more.
Business Owners’ Struggle
The owner of Dollop Coffee, a well-known café at the corner of Plymouth and Van Buren, closed his business. Dino Vulpitta, owner of Brando’s Speakeasy, which has an entrance on Plymouth, next to the former Standard Club, said, "We’ve even almost begged for some type of help." Liakopoulos, who has since reopened his restaurant under a different name, Pancho’s Rooftop Cantina, said, "Either we double down, and we believe in the city, and we believe in the restaurant, and we believe in the block. Or we just give it to the city and walk away. But we didn’t do that."
The Future of the Block
Ald. Robinson expressed a desire to help businesses that closed on the block to reopen, but it’s unclear how this would happen. The former Standard Club property is now owned by investor Remo Polselli, who collected millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to shelter migrants at the former Standard Club and another property he owns. WGN Investigates found that he owes nearly $260,000 in past due property taxes on the building at 320 S. Plymouth Court.
Conclusion
The closure of the Loop migrant shelter has left a lasting impact on local businesses, with numerous owners reporting significant losses and some forced to close their doors. As the community works to revitalize the area, it’s essential to address the concerns of business owners and find ways to support their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the purpose of the Loop migrant shelter?
The shelter was used to house new arrivals. - How many people were housed at the shelter at its peak?
Over 1,200 people. - What were some of the issues faced by nearby businesses?
Crowding on the street, a sharp rise in crime, and repeated calls for emergency services. - What is the current status of the former Standard Club property?
The property is now owned by Remo Polselli, who has an outstanding debt of nearly $260,000 in past due property taxes.
