On December 4, Crain's Chicago Business reported the sale of the former Foot Locker building on State Street to the Downtown Islamic Center

While some may question whether the recent acquisition of 213-227 S. State St. by the Downtown Islamic Center is additive to State Street's recovery or is a detriment, we believe it is a positive addition to the neighborhood.

Admittedly, the purchase price reflects the current stage of South State Street’s recovery, but it's a recovery nonetheless. The activation of this vacant building fits the educational (DePaul University and UIC) and civic (Harold Washington Public Library) profile of these blocks.

As the Loop continues its nascent comeback in the post-Covid era, the Islamic Center’s investment contributes to the recovery in the following ways:

➊ It activates this portion of State Street;

➋ It adds a religious and cultural meeting place; no different from the Chicago Loop Synagogue, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Christian Science Reading Room;

➌ It fosters the growing neighborhood feel of the Loop as the residential conversion of the LaSalle Street offices commences.

The Loop’s recovery will consist of multiple pieces in order to complete the puzzle. Here’s to adding another piece as we close out 2025! John Vance William Winter

https://www.chicagobusiness.com/commercial-real-estate/former-foot-locker-space-state-street-sells-discount