Downtown Chicago is a GHOST TOWN?! What’s Really Happening!

Many retail and office spaces are vacant and up for lease. Is this related to people working from home?
www.illform.com
#chicago #wfh #rto #downtownchicago #my2cents #chicagorealestate

[@Smerzone]

Please like and subscribe. Could this be a new urban renewal program like that they did in the 1950s?

[@eddiea3782]

Subscribed my good man. 👍

[@BobS-b4o]

@@Smerzone yes magnificent Mile of terror 😂

[@Smerzone]

@@eddiea3782Thanks Eddie!

[@sharonabbott9588]

It's not urban renewal, it's urban decay.

[@heyrobertcarter1]

❤🎉😂 So true FIELDS was THE store!

[@azmatwassan8857]

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[@MBAforexTrading]

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[@StillyLucky]

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[@JessicaMay-o1r]

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[@BSPCustomerservice]

How ..? Am a newbie in crypto investment, please can you guide me through on how you made profit?

[@MichaelRose-o6h]

I'm glad to write her tay I do hope she will help handle my paycheck properly☺️☺️☺️

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

I'm 62 and worked in the loop for more than 30 years. It was so alive with people, cars. Restaurants, happy hours. During the pandemic our office went to work from home. Attempted a hybrid work in the office. However the younger workers got spoiled and started leaving for jobs that had permanent work from home. So we are now permanent work from home. I kinda miss going in. However when I wake up it's 0 degrees and I can just login at start work it's a blessing. They will need to repurpose downtown.

[@Silllywalks]

😳 must be happening in many cities....hmmm....I'll bet someone knows how they want things repurposed.. 🤔 smart cities ??

[@lawrencecunningham7321]

@Silllywalks great video

[@Silllywalks]

Monied interests are teaming up with govt authority to maximize profits and make cities more boring, that would be my guess.. same goons that brought u "lockdowns" have more ideas 4 u..

[@Silllywalks]

@@lawrencecunningham7321 yeah someone's threatened, my other comment got erased/censored/"repurposed" for secret society mass production 🤣

[@Sogal60]

@lawrencecunningham7321 You are right. I've WFH since covid. I love it tho. The winter commutes were brutal I'm chicago. But will agree I miss being out. Now that I'm home I have to purposefully MAKE myself go somewhere.

[@AbuSufyan07550]

People working from home People shopping from home People eating at home High rent High taxes High crime

[@lashlarue59]

You just summed it up. I would add general outrageously high prices for EVERYTHING. Don't believe the fake inflation numbers grocery store prices have doubled in the last 3 years.

[@ewright7274]

All that!

[@SAMSON12321]

People are not working from home, THEY ARE NOT WORKING People are not shopping from home because they have no money hence the store closures People are depending on Food Banks, EBT, Dollar Stores for FOOD.. 12 dollars for a dozen eggs?? Banks are closing down, because no one is working and do not have money to deposit YES,, rent is HIGH and hence why so many people have fled major cities.. You see how empty Chicago is YES ridiculous taxes/fees/costs has reduced everyone to poverty Crime is no where near as bad as the media reports.

[@80sMetal24]

@@AbuSufyan07550 Plus exorbitant fees to park fees downtown.

[@jcpawlak8485]

I work for a food distributor in downtown Chicago and have been a resident for 10 yrs. What I'm hearing from restaurant owners is that rent is sky high, food cost is through the roof. The good employees move jobs very quickly and the other employees don't really care and will call off or just disappear. Crime doesn't help, but you legit do not live in Chicago if you think the loop is dominated by crime - that's the southwest side. Crime does happen and it doesn't help, but its not the leading cause. It's economic. Independent businesses don't have a great shot at staying open with the economic factors. Everything is unaffordable.

[@Smerzone]

Thanks for the comment

[@mrike5651]

High taxes business are leaving

[@julieweiner1623]

This is what happens when the middle class is gutted. The rich don’t shop and the poor work these jobs.

[@Glen-n7u]

Exactly !!

[@SharonMalone-w8v]

This is the only answer!

[@thatphillyguy61]

@@julieweiner1623 That's an intelligent reply.

[@funkydivadoll]

@@julieweiner1623 yep all thanks to the free trade agreements. Biggest mistake the USA made!

[@unqualifiedproductions1275]

@@julieweiner1623 and the homeless / jobless moochers and drug dealers dried up in the same economy 🤣 who really wants to walk Chicago? And downtown? Where is everyone? Either deported or working their first job lol

[@alanbyrne8578]

I am a Lyft Driver in the Denver Metro area. Nobody goes out to eat anymore. Nobody goes to see movies. Everything is so expensive. People just can’t afford it. Inflation is kicking everybody’s ass.

[@beethovenstrance5042]

What's going on in this country goes WAY beyond inflation (natural or otherwise)

[@crystalperry2163]

Also ppl are ordering out and streaming. That’s why the malls are empty as well. Everything is online.

[@Sogal60]

@crystalperry2163 Yep people got in a comfort zone too when covid hit 6yrs ago. People also see that they can save money staying and cooking at home. I don't go out anymore either.

[@allenjames6743]

@@alanbyrne8578 And you voted for woke Kamala?

[@rogerbeaird3320]

@@crystalperry2163 when you go out in the community it's a different thing just being with others that love the conversation

[@brianmitchell117]

Interesting thing… a lot of cities are experiencing what Detroit experienced in the past… Detroit is actually going the opposite direction though now… a lot of the retail space is actually full or close to it downtown… Chicago still has the finest skyline but it’s no surprise that businesses are leaving with these easy on crime judges and politicians there

[@noble604]

Sadly, it’s like this across the country. Downtowns, like you said in another video, were designed a hundred years ago and at that time there weren't shopping malls, strip malls or online shopping anywhere in anyone’s imagination. With the bustling department stores, especially during Christmas with those one of a kind holiday decorations and windows, the city restaurants and corporate businesses, US downtowns were EVERYTHING. It’s hard to describe to young people who never experienced it and don’t know just what that was like to be “downtown.” Even being at the mall at Christmas during the boom years of shopping malls was nothing like being “downtown” in the city. Just think of the movies and songs made of that beauty and excitement of “downtown.” That is never coming back.

[@Smerzone]

You are correct. People used to dress up to go downtown. It was a family outing.

[@noble604]

The national move has been from downtown dollars coming from downtown workers shopping/staying downtown and from locals and families going downtown, to most downtowns being funded by tourism - from those there just for a sporting event, on business, or sightseeing from other parts of the country. Families and locals are not pumping money into their city downtowns. I know people who haven’t been to our city downtown in years.. as in 5... 10 years. If people who lived in these areas actually went downtown, that alone would be enough to sustain them but we don’t do that anymore. Often, no matter the city, we’re pleasantly surprised to see events going on, especially in the summer when there are all kinds of happenings in most downtown areas. We mainly base our opinions from the news and that’s what’s mainly responsible for keeping locals away... imo....

[@gracedagostino5231]

Great comment! Makes me think of the old Petula Clark song “Downtown”

[@noble604]

gracedagostino - Think of it! So many songs and movies written about “downtown,” too many to remember. Just a touching line in a song. Just a couple memorable scenes in a movie. Just meeting there. And it didn’t have to be New York City. It was Chicago or your local city. All the glitz and romance with taxis. And lights. And skyscrapers. A rendezvous or just a trip with your grandmother held such glamour when you were together downtown.

[@noble604]

(also ... Downtown Chicago architecture is fantastic. Downtown architecture everywhere in the US is unmatched compared to US suburbs. Just to be downtown and look at buildings is something. Open OR closed. Nothing like that we ever be built again.)

[@janicesanders9981]

OMG...What a great video. I retired from 200 W. Adams in 2022 so I hadn't been to the Loop since..I had no idea Chicago downtown had changed so much. WOW! You did a long circular walk and so much is closed. My Lord, it's like a ghost town. Thank you for a great video and your narration was so on point!!!! It almost made me want to cry....Chicago used to be booming. Please do one on Michigan Ave too.

[@Smerzone]

Thank you !

[@robertbruner7429]

I agree....worked in the Loop for years...very sad!

[@haydenlake2390]

In Downtown Chicago and Evanston, the biggest business name is "FOR LEASE." Both cities have invited vagrancy, crime, aggressive panhandling, filth. Shoppers and diners have many options for better, safer experiences outside of Evanston and downtown Chicago

[@lindajenkinsyt]

I lived in Chicago 25 years ago. This is unbelievably different. It used to be so crowded you could not hardly walk on the sidewalk and all of the stores were busy. So sad.

[@antwanwilliamsAkrimoneyAkiApac]

Same here. I moved from there around the same time as you. I lived and worked downtown in the gold coast and, like you said, It was unbelievably different.

[@wandaglaze-fx8kw]

Omgggg yessss ! Always packed day and nite ! Smh 🤦‍♀️ lawd what's really going on !?

[@Rayshawnsgayaf]

I was there 10 years ago and it was nowhere near like that lmao 🤣 plus, everyone works from home and orders delivery now. I was there about this time 10 years ago, and it looked IDENTICAL to this. Except less vacant buildings and less cops on bikes.

[@Ludwigous]

It’s as if with each visit over the years it only ever became less busy

[@np1000]

Same here born and raised there left in 99 and hated going downtown too dam crowded. I once visited downtown St. Louis and it was just a ghost town.

[@ElleRi-o6i]

Chicago is a beautiful city , but haven’t visited in years due to the many problems (just like in NYC). Hopefully, it’ll return to its beauty and peace.

[@Eagle7433]

Downtown stores are closing for the same reason Malls are closing. Online shopping has taken over. Just go a a little north to the Mag Mile if you're looking to shop or to places like River North & Fulton Market which are the NEW hot spots for food. Those areas are packed with people, especially during spring & summer.

[@Dee-cg4hy]

Back in the days downtown Chicago was booming. "Ronnie's Steak House," "Carson Pierie Scott", "Marshall Field", "Game Spots", "United Artist", "Chicago Theater", and so much more. Greed, crime and legislation is destroying these cities.

[@mariecampbell3373]

I remember Goldblatt's and Montgomery Ward.

[@Dee-cg4hy]

@@mariecampbell3373 Yes, that's when we could get true bargains.

[@sangjsim]

@@Dee-cg4hy I miss those good old days in Chicago.

[@Dee-cg4hy]

@@sangjsim I do too.

[@shouldershrug9582]

There is NO DIFFERENCE between Republicans and Democrats. 2 wings of the same bird.

[@rambojambone4586]

There’s no Republicans in Chicago.

[@sclose3418]

Hi. I’m a lifelong Chicagoan. This breaks my heart. I love my city, I was a volunteer for the Chicago architecture foundation giving walking tours of our awesome architecture just because I love it so much. SO sad for what it is now. Pray that it comes back in my lifetime

[@Daisylite-Creations-stationery]

This is so sad. I was born and lived for years in Chicago. Downtown was always busy, fun and a special place. Great memories. Sad to see it’s a ghost town now.

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

Yes, I agree with you. Before the the 1980's the down town was always fun to be and work at because of all the theaters, affordable restaurants, clothes, electronics, game rooms, ...etc. The Private sectors take over have taken out all these public attractions.

[@bfay9294]

@@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf it's not a sad ghost town. It's vibrant and busy in Chicago I don't know how it used to be but it's still busy, people walking around and I was not afraid.

[@Sarahminks75]

@Daisylite-Creations-stationery this isn't showing all of Chicago and you know it..He's showing you what he wants you to see

[@CorgiBob]

I live in Chicago and I no longer travel to downtown. It’s highway robbery by the time you pay for parking, dinner, drinks, pan handlers just to leave you alone and then get robbed and car jacked after your night. Cheaper to take a week long tropical vacation than a night downtown.

[@funkydivadoll]

@@CorgiBob that's ridiculous lol

[@Ababycakes]

@@CorgiBob grew up in the suburbs… never traveled by car to downtown. Only took the Metra train as do most people that commute to the city or visit downtown for leisure. It definitely would be highway robbery driving and paying for parking.

[@CorgiBob]

@Ababycakes see that's a whole different world. In the city we get the pleasure of the dreaded Red Line, you know the the L where 1 out of 4 become victims of crime and oh the other 3 are criminals who robbed you. 😉

[@deewheel3990]

I was born and raised in Chicago and I have never seen downtown so empty I'm in Indiana now,,,wow unbelievable,, I have walked those same streets on your video and it was only shoulder to shoulder enough room to walk because it was so many people

[@delorisgreen7414]

Me too,,worked downtown for a long time all the the great stores are all gone, nothing but memories

[@kingzae8753]

I’ve worked downtown Chicago for 10 years now. There’s multiple reasons why it’s so empty: 1) More people are comfortable working from home nowadays. 2) Most of our favorite stores & restaurants are closed down. 3) Violence and Crime has reached downtown Chicago too, so everyone walks around nervous and on-edge. (unless you approach with good mannerism and conversation then you might earn a free coffee or Margarita) 4) People like me, who’s lived in Chicago their whole life have probably already *done* everything there is to do in this city. Most people just go downtown to check out their favorite bar, nightclubs, the Lakefront, or just to get _highh_ while watching the beautiful scenery. -The few people you see walking around in this video are most likely just on their lunch break, live around the corner, asking for money, walking their dog, or just trying to put a smile on someone’s face via Entertainment ❤🎶🎸

[@jimfoster7679]

You must be young. It was a lot seedier in the 70's. I crack up at how people think Chicago is "dangerous" now. It's occupied now mostly by the rich. There's not that much crime in downtown Chicago, it's just that there's cameras everywhere now. What used to be on the crime blotter page in the newspapers is now on the local nightly news because videos of crimes attract viewers. All the empty stores are due to changing business models and greed.

[@stevenallen3727]

Downtown Chicago used to be the place to go especially for young couples

[@THATGUY-ir4ie]

Yep!

[@howardboyd7764]

I grew up just 2.5 miles west of downtown and walked back and forth frequently before I started biking it. It's almost shocking to see how State street is almost desolate now and I don't think retailers will come back any time soon...

[@reallydoe6061]

@@howardboyd7764 Being from Chicago, i made a wisecrack about downtown Detroit many years ago about this very thing, and now it's here too. 🤦

[@reallydoe6061]

@@howardboyd7764 Kilpatrick was also a Democrat too, tho.

[@derrecktaylor8817]

I visited Chicago for the first time a couple of years ago and loved it. I live in Detroit and the Midtown and Downtown areas are growing alot. It's the polar opposite of Chicago

[@pjangels609]

Who wants to do business with shoplifters and looters?! It's been looking like that for years, same here in LA.

[@qroadside]

Finally someone I can watch doing videos like this in Chicago

[@marcus1mba]

The abandonment started during the pandemic. Downtown became a crime zone with looters and rioters that caused property damage. After the pandemic the crime persisted and stores closed. Ultimately it’s poor city management, increased taxes on businesses, high retail lease rates and defunding the police. The residual effects of liberal politics on a great city.

[@katemiller7874]

They also burned down their own target. Dirtballs

[@SimoneThykeBougieElegance]

Too many smash and grab robberies here of late! I don’t blame businesses for leaving

[@CharlesReesink]

tx for that, from Winnipeg, the Chicago of the North I wouldn't believe it if you had not taken us on a tour! Vacant everywhere... my goodness! charlie

[@worldofthesupernatural]

Lived here my whole life. 56 years. I will never go downtown again. Not worth the risk. Moving out

[@docsavage6674]

It looks like the online shopping markets have effected the big box and brick and morter. Amazon, ebay and so on.

[@DrSueRob]

Really sad to see. I spent 61 years of my life in Chicago and never thought I'd leave. I believe a lot of businesses never recovered from the P*ndemic and/or the accompanying looting.

[@method2madness762]

I know this is not related to the video, but you’re very pretty

[@Toxic_Troll1]

@@method2madness762chill bro she’s my WIFE!!!

[@AMERILOGIC]

I lived in Chicago in the 80s ear. Jane Burn, Harold Washington. It felt like Paris down town Chicago then. It was GREAT back then. This is all over America. The American dream has become a nightmare.

[@eddiea3782]

It's because Chicago is no longer that "City that works". Businesses and residents have left because of the failed Democratic Administrations and their failed policies. The high cost of living, high taxes, super high crime rate. Horrible schools, gangs, drugs. A de-funded police department that is demoralized. Three horrible failed Mayors and counting. Businesses have no incentive to stay and neither do the residents. The City of Chicago is mismanaged and out of control. I and all of my family, friends and neighbors all have sold our homes and left The City of Chicago. I was a life long resident. I was born and raised in Chicago and now I have absolutely no one there anymore. Everyone I knew/know has left. They keep pouring more and more money into this city and it just keeps getting worse. You can't fix Chicago by throwing money at it. My once beautiful home town is a cesspool now. You just can't live there anymore.

[@Smerzone]

Hey Eddie!! You are correct on many levels. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

[@eddiea3782]

@@Smerzone It hurts to say these things about the city I grew up in. My perspective is one of someone who once lived in a very beautiful, successful and safe city. I am Puerto Rican. Many of my family members ran a lot of the corner grocery stores in and around Hispanic neighborhoods. They made a very good living at it. I myself worked at many of the factories around town when I was young and put myself thru school to better myself. Chicago was great if you wanted to learn and improve yourself. There were so many jobs in The City of Chicago at one time. I always had money in my pocket. I worked for everything I ever had and had that sense of pride and accomplishment because of it. What a great city Chicago once was. That city was all about jobs, jobs, jobs. Back then, if you didn't have a job it was because you were just lazy. Everyone was hiring. Almost all the factories in and around Chicago had 3 shifts and they paid very well. I really miss that once great, powerful, clean beautiful city. At one time the streets of Chicago were paved in gold. Look at it now.

[@DavidWootton-yd5ws]

The same in Toronto

[@msjustlookup6170]

It has nothing to do with working from home, its the housing market prices businesses and people cannot afford anything there anymore. Way to expensive!!

[@paulleckner8235]

Insult to injury is when the mayor of Chicago wants to raise $300 million dollars by increasing the property taxes on homeowners to finance the food, clothing, and shelter for undocumented immigrants. We cannot carry that!

[@Smerzone]

Yup

[@VoleWade]

I believe it all started with Obama an his created recession. Mass lay-offs to driving wages down then importing immigrants giving them $250k upon entry while AMERICANS looked 4 jobs that weren't available. Welfare 2 work

[@bxrokk]

Exactly! We're witnessing the greatest transfer of wealth in this country in real time.

[@tca666]

People have no money 😮

[@lovelyone98]

Expensive leases, high property taxes, high amount of theft from some stores

[@ericfreeman273]

It's happening all over the the world, mate. Even in London, UK. So, your beautiful windy city isn't alone buddy.

[@ronbrown7941]

I work in Lower Manhattan. Same thing is happening, unfortunately. Landlord’s are asking for way too much and they aren’t looking for “Mom & PoP” anymore

[@marblox9300]

Commercial space in the U.S. can go empty for literally years - I have seen it over and over. The laws in the U.S. probably have tax write off incentives that make this possible. I don't get why if you own an apartment that goes empty for even 1 month you are losing money but in the case of commercial they don't seem to care.

[@lucken13]

Unfortunately “Mom & Pop” businesses have been degraded in all areas; cities, suburbs, rural/small towns!!!!

[@TheSwissChalet]

@@lucken13 that's because they were taxed to death...now they're dead.

[@JimSostarich]

@@ronbrown7941 Taxes are too high in NY Landlords need to pay the stupid taxes on their buildings. Texas and Florida have more people but smaller state budgets… go figure. Can you say BLUE!!!

[@sabrinassuburbangarden9448]

Wow, I didn't know that there were so many closed businesses here in downtown Chicago.

[@thaonguyen-sp7xf]

Too many shoplifters. That’s why.

[@ValeraKarabellas]

We’re in a recession rapidly falling into a major depression that’s what’s happening. Also the middle and upper class is moving to the suburbs where they have their own amenities there, they don’t come downtown much anymore.

[@p.wilder7050]

Chicago has beautiful architecture, World class museum's, The wonderful food scene, over 60 parks, Renowned public transit. And the Third largest economy in the United States, in other words they kick ass. Downtown Denver has had the same problem now for a few years.

[@Smerzone]

I love Chicago.

[@Daveco82]

Lawlessness and senseless violence has ruined Chicago!

[@polyverse1]

😅😅 State street has always been empty because for over 40 years they closed the street to traffic which caused its decline. They opened it up in the last 10 years to traffic but it has yet to recover because the main attraction and foot traffic is Michigan Ave. We have cool ass neighborhoods outside of downtown such as Wicker Park, Logan Square, Hyde Park, Wrigleyvile, Chinatown, Pilsen, and Fulton Market. Lots of fun and things to do.

[@janieyellin628]

That's very true!

[@BarbieWitts]

I live in the suburbs. I don’t go downtown anymore because of crime. Everything changed in 2020. Carjackings, smash and grabs. My daughter lived downtown before that and I would visit her on the train every week for dinner, shopping or theater. She moved to the suburbs after it became a sanctuary city and they weren’t arresting people and putting them in jail. Kids were taking over the streets and jumping on cars. The mayor sucks.

[@jd7089]

*****THIS IS HAPPENING GLOBALLY NOT JUST IN AMERICA*** ‼️

[@MichaelPuga-u6o]

I livd in Germany and the economy is struggling here too. I fear this will not end well..

[@darrenpettway7820]

Who can afford the RENT. Our country is full of greedy people who want more and more while paying less and less...

[@VikingforLife-r5n]

more people in the USA the higher rent gets when we get rid of the 80 Million plus Illegals rent will go down wages will go up because they will have to compete for our business as less people around

[@DeniseWright-eo8bi]

The rent went up because those in real estate got the inside scoop that Biden/Harris open the borders and invited migrants in by way of TPS and oops, we left the door open. When, you get here, we will spend billions to RENT a place for you and instead of stimulus to American citizens, we will give you good money to shop and stimulate our economy. To hell with both of them!

[@damilla357]

100%

[@apseudonym]

commercial rent prices are ridiculous

[@Shan-zy2gc]

Great video! No this is not just happening in Chicago. I’ve seen KZbinrs in New York City, California, Florida with similar videos. I live in Chicago and I didn’t know it was this bad, because I never go downtown anymore. I have noticed in Oakbrook which is a suburb west of Chicago, there is a lot of empty offices available for lease it’s unbelievable!

[@Smerzone]

Thanks for watching. The loop is bad but Michigan Ave still has alot

[@natdrinachatman114]

Was this on the weekend 🤔

[@Manchesteru999]

Sad to see in a great city. Similar here in Dublin, Ireland, insurance and electricity costs through the roof, police no interest in dealing with shoplifting so they eventually close. And they wonder why where is an epidemic of loneliness, in the last ten years we are spending 70% less time socialising with friends. Before it was a given

[@binaturist5949]

Downtown Boston is no where as large or as busy as Chi Town, but there is some of that here as well. On Boylston Street, the area around Copley Square still has some stores, but as you walk further down towards the Commons, a lot of street level store fronts and restaurants are empty. My thinking is that some of these places never fully recovered from the COVIC-19 pandemic, as well as skyrocketing real estate prices. Thing is, land developers are still putting up buildings. How this stuff works, I don't know.

[@kirkgardner8772]

Wow, I have no reason to go downtown with all of that high ass parking!! The suburbs have what I need.

[@nimrod4065]

Corporations will get stimulus packages as normal but mom & pops businesses will suffer.

[@ronque23]

This is very depressing. I’m from the Chi and during my first stint I worked downtown, and every block was bustling. Moved to NYC later and trust me, after Covid, it’s the same there. Storefronts you would never see vacant are ghost towns. Since I came back to Chicago it’s been sad seeing downtown look like this. It had me really worried for the future of the city. But in reality, if people don’t wanna come back to work in their offices, it’s gonna stay like this.

[@Jay-j6m2l]

Let’s get real. The shut down during the pandemic left those massive offices empty. The restaurants and all the businesses that thrived from those who worked down there closed. People would shop on their lunch hour. During the shutdown corporate America with those PPP forgiven loans let the employees go anyway. Afterwards those employers had a lot of staff still working at home and found out they didn’t need those office spaces and certainly didn’t need them in a high rent district. Hence there is no one there. Those BLM protest that turned into riots and the on going criminal smash and grabs and other shenanigans hasn’t helped. Unfortunately those Michigan Avenue businesses paid a lot of taxes that the city benefited from. No more. Hence there is soaring property taxes. Someone has to pay those wonderful unionized police and public school teachers. 😂😂

[@Wonderwoman79G]

So all of this is down to blm protesters- smh.

[@marioabney]

Chicago is still popping and we have one of the best jazz scenes in the world!!!!!!!

[@bobbiewright1500]

And blues

[@jarretthooks5068]

Glad I came across your comment... Can u recommend to me a couple good jazz spots in Chicago?

[@robertvysther1138]

Thankyou for video and God bless you. I was born on the south side and I did well in Chicago. I had a job transfer to Miamisburg, Ohio, and have not been back to Chicago in the last ten years. But it brought back memories. I think most of the problem is working from home, ordering on line, and rents are too high.

[@Smerzone]

It’s really interesting to hear about your experience.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Don't forget the HIGHER CRIME Due to street thugs

[@MaynardUSMC]

I’m so sorry to see all of the vacancies. Chicago is my home town. I grew up on the west side, Austin. My ‘83 prom was at the Palmer house. My guess is this is the result of Mayor Brandon’s policies. He has got to go! Thank you for the video.

[@FreeSpirit64]

A lot of us shop online for everything, it saves time, fuel, and who enjoys driving in traffic and then walking around in the store, then waiting 15-20 min to check out, by then it's past dinner time, or bedtime 😆

[@Smerzone]

Yup! It's definitely changed the game.

[@deborahlewis4887]

Store owners are tired of being robbed or having overnight smash-and-grab looting.

[@markfcoble]

Amish teens?

[@reallydoe6061]

@@markfcoble Yeah, the dark ones. 🤣🤣🤣

[@reallydoe6061]

@deborahlewis4887 Say who it is tho, say it!!!!!

[@marysmith5068]

It's like this everywhere. Europe, Canada, Australia, whatever. EV-RY-WHERE. ✌🏻

[@funkydivadoll]

@@marysmith5068 no, it's not! I just came back from Europe and the USA should be embarrassed

[@marysmith5068]

@funkydivadoll "My City is Dead update about Krefeld in Germany" by German in Venice from 4 months ago. "Most LUXURIOUS Shopping Street In London Is Shutting Down?!" by Hannah Ricketts from 6 months ago. I can find similar videos for most major European cities.

[@funkydivadoll]

@@marysmith5068 you come across as illiterate.

[@Drewman3387]

It's not just Chicago; after COVID, many downtowns have suffered atrophy and abandonment.

[@Smerzone]

Yup

[@ChicagoRancho]

They have enabled crime to continue to happen

[@charlesstein2880]

I lost my job as a garbage collector (trash man) because I wanted to work from home, on my computer. 🤣🤣

[@gregfalco4528]

Same thing in Los Angeles. Downtown is dead, Hollywood is dead, even Rodeo Drive is dead. This is a crisis like no living American has ever seen.

[@Smerzone]

I know the fires didn't help it either. Thanks for watching

[@cleanstomach537]

Up north in Oakland, I was also shocked to see a video of Jack London Square being a ghost town. That place used to have a bustling night life. Dems sure know how to ruin even the crown jewels of a city.

[@harriet463]

Wow!! New York City is still pretty busy. But this is scary

[@RotterStudios]

What's up man? I'm on these streets every day. It's been like this for a long time. It's a combination of things, not limited to Chicago. For one, the planned demic..... closed a lot of businesses everywhere, not just Chicago. Most people also work from home now. Depending when you filmed this, you will see a lot more people on Tues, Wed and Thursdays. Mondays are empty, with many people working at home. Fridays are the same. If you are within a week of any holiday, it's much more empty. Others have left their jobs for work closer to home. Others have moved out of Chicago and others have moved out of state. It's mostly due to work at home and people refusing to work M-F in office.

[@martymar74]

Taxes, crime, insurance rates, exorbitant customer parking fees, predatory parking signs, overpriced restaurants, downtown has officially priced itself out: they better get back to reality on what is going on down there.

[@Antwan-rc2ox]

EVERYTHING YOU JUST SAID IS REALITY 🤦🏽‍♂️💯

[@valeriedee911]

Macy’s doesn’t look like it used to. I just told my Husband that when we were in there today about an hour ago. It looks like a Thrift Store here in Hoover, AL.

[@tenofspdes]

@@valeriedee911 sadly I heard that MACY'S was closing its stores

[@jaimesarabia8603]

But keep on keeping on voting for your dead end democrats.

[@rosepal211]

I've lived in Chicago all my life, and I used to go downtown every other weekend. But I haven't been there for a while because of the crime happening there and on the CTA. I do miss it, though. I'm hoping we get a new mayor who will really crack down on crime and change things around.

[@trishalamb138]

Bingo! A good mayor is what is needed. Get a woman like Philly’s Cherelle Parker. She has been a breath of fresh air and we finally have pride in our city again!

[@prosperousnikki]

That's why I haven't been back to Chicago in 3 years. I miss that city but too dangerous right now.

[@rosepal211]

@trishalamb138 I just did a little research. I definitely like her tough on crime position. I only wish our mayor did, too. Good luck to the Eagles!

[@trishalamb138]

@ thank you! And yes, we need more mayors like her across the country- compassionate, but tough.

[@CornellAllan]

Clear sign of a financial collapse.

[@Smerzone]

Clear sign!

[@CornellAllan]

@ they can’t hide the fraud no more.

[@bigbanknewyork3655]

Daytime in a top-3 major city

[@Steve-d1d9f]

Clear sign of out of control crime lol.

[@jcdenton6864]

@@Steve-d1d9fthere’s rarely any crime worth mentioning in downtown Chicago as it’s the tourist area.

[@Gwynelle-j5q]

I loved Garretts Popcorn downtown Chicago 😢🎉😢

[@SharonMalone-w8v]

BLAME ALL OUR CORRUPT POLITICIANS! Illinois use to be a great state now I can’t wait to leave.

[@jacksparrow7300]

Well stop wasting time running your mouth. And get to packing 😂

[@jeffreydaniels7519]

You need to get rid of that mayor, he’s bad for business.

[@kimw8887]

And the Governor

[@mrike5651]

​@@kimw8887and the congressman and woman

[@Jan-c1x]

Snatch and grab, robberies at gun point...stores owners decides not worth it to stay.

[@Unlmtdprogress]

Reality is people dont want to go to a downtown full of thugs. Alot of times hoardes of black ppl will come from the southside and cause problems.. ever since the loooting and all sht has been different. Now you also have migrants everywhere. Not to mention everything closes early downtown. People come to downtown jusr for Michigan avenue; river north or millenium park / navy pier but everywhere else seems boring and bland and thugged out at times

[@Brandyceluv1]

Downtown Chicago hasn't been the same since the Pandemic 2020. I worked downtown for many years.

[@Rodrickfinley2474]

THAT PART!🎯

[@mistashaft21]

Agreed😢

[@phackdaphish]

Used to be nice place to walk and shop with my year round cta pass. Not much to do anymore other than broadway and high end dining. Now I do my regular shopping online, schaumburg and skokie where parking is free.

[@R.Jay.Creations]

Something that would help revitalize downtown... not having to pay $15-$50 to park... IJS

[@Stella_SoFancy]

Facts!!!

[@dwaynejackson2470]

Online shopping on Amazon ,target ,Walmart free delivery 😢

[@MeccaMakeba]

The rent is too high.

[@laurenfinesse]

Mannnn growing up, we loved coming downtown to State street and walk around and shop and eat. Filene’s Basement, Bakers, Foot Locker, Bennigans, etc. it’s sad watching this video

[@cathypurnell9331]

I think that this is the result of greed, rent prices are outrageous and this is happening everywhere because of GREED .🇺🇸

[@raydemos1181]

No reason to come to Chicago, there is no Marshall Fields anymore

[@Smerzone]

Yup. They ended an era

[@laurabustinza9526]

I remember 😊 It sad

[@doingitover40]

I will ALWAYS refer to Macys as Marshall Fields lol 😂

[@annabelleb.8096]

I agree. Seems like that was the beginning of the end.

[@kimberlydill8059]

Chicago has more than Marshall Fields

[@garywendeln7114]

This is what happens in every major American city with Black Liberal Democrat Mayors . I am not racist in any way , shape , or form ...I'm merely making a point that is backed by FACT , NOT OBSERVATION !!

[@Smerzone]

I've noticed this as well. Its like the black mayor is the fall guy.

[@Avaisabadbird]

Dude you racist in every shape and form.

[@elbroverlander]

This is a national phenomenon. Over 95% of all mayors in America are white. I’m not racist just stating another fact.

[@reallydoe6061]

@garywendeln7114 Well, I'm black. DON'T EVER apologize for being right, even some of us see what's REALLY happening here, too. Racism isn't in your statement anywhere, we both see the problem the same.

[@reallydoe6061]

@Smerzone No, they be thee ACTUAL problem!

[@VictorDergado-n3h]

I blame the democrats for this mess and political party.

[@drkimoni5011]

New generation ain't getting 😢good jobs ! That's what's going on !

[@Bennysol]

@@drkimoni5011 all the jobs went to Mexico and India. Cartels banking it all

[@StarSpangled-d5s]

Rent is too expensive for retail. Shopping is more affordable on line. Online and digital concept has screwed the world up. Most conversation are typed out digital. Humans are becoming more and more disconnected.

[@romandadavis6302]

They're getting ready for the SMART CITY

[@Southern_Bombshell]

When my friend and I visited Chicago ; downtown was just like this . Michigan Ave. had the most pedestrian traffic . But, every other part of downtown was quiet .

[@136760mas1]

At least it's looks cleaner than NYC.

[@tiffanyshumpert1496]

Oh yeah! Chicago stays clean!!!

[@katea127]

Store closures was due to shoplifters have a filling bags and bags of goods and walking out freely without been persecuted.

[@briaspleasures]

People r shopping online. The cost of rent is ridiculous.

[@REGGIRT-4011]

I used to work near Daley Plaza near the big Picasso from 2010-2013 and it was SOOOOOOO busy and congested in the downtown area during the day! Thanks for sharing.

[@lamar3697]

It's because the rent to highand the thieves

[@darnellmiller1215]

I hear that wind...that ain't left 😂.

[@petronelladavis5896]

Stealing is one of the reasons.

[@4kviralcrime]

People are tired of Chicago Taxes, Corrupt Democrats , Illegal Immigrants!!! There has been Half a Million people left Illinois completely

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Nobody wants to get mugged or carjacked. Used to love to come to the city but not worth the risk. Punks with weapons are given free rein.

[@Scott-nt1vd]

Have you ever been robbed or mugged in the city? Or you just commenting to sound relevant. The city is not scary unless you make it scary.

[@JoeJines-k8z]

Why would he want to increase his chances? Wtf??? Lol. Your a loon

[@Christine-v4s]

I live in Chicago downtown. The area you are showing is the downtown office area, depending on the time of the day, it could be quite because people are working in these office buildings. 😂 Morning, lunch time, evening gets busier as people come in and out work places. Also, people live in Chicago and travelers don’t go to these places. Chicago summer is lively, river walk, Michigan Ave, beaches, bars, restaurants, etc. Due to the cold winter, people tend to have indoor activities during winter, it’s a seasonal city.

[@Larrye123]

Don't prosecute shoplifters. Raise taxes. Let people work from home. Why would businesses stay?

[@bobbarker1798]

Agree.

[@mpmcb2508]

Someone below said it's because of the Trump economy, who's been in the White House for the last four years? Oh wait ,he spent 47% of his term on the beach sleeping and tripping in the sand walking for an ice cream.