Wells Drive to the south, State Street to the west and Wabash Avenue to the east.

In its heyday the district hosted seven prominent department stores from which six buildings remain today.

At one time seven major department stores were situated on State Street: Benson & Rixon, Karolls, Charles A. Stevens and Mandel Brothers (in addition to Marshall Field's and Carson, Pirie Scott).

[6] After 1950, suburban development reduced the role of the Loop's daily significance to many Chicagoans as downtown retail sales slipped.

[8] In 1979, Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne converted the downtown portion into a pedestrian mall with only bus traffic allowed.