Risky Parking Garages in South Loop

Story by Jessica Golden

After growing up and attending school in the suburb of New Lennox, Richard Roye was excited to find a job that would take him to the city. Wondering how he could save the most money on transportation, Roye decided to drive and park in the South Loop and then jump in a cab to his workplace.

After a few weeks of commuting this way, Roye’s car was broken into at the Impark on State and Eighth streets. Not much was stolen, but he stopped driving to the South Loop immediately after the incident.

As South Loop continues to grow with new businesses, residents and commuters, street and garage parking has become more crowded, especially on Wabash Avenue and State Street.

Whole Foods just moved into the area and a few celebrities are rumored to inhabit South Loop’s new condominiums. But one problem remains, and actually is getting worse: theft.

Police Sergeant Bill Ross said there were 11 times more incidents of theft this year than last year on State Street and 2007 is not over yet. He noted that all the break-ins occurred at Standard Parking located at 1101 South State St. and only one incident elsewhere.

But not all South Loop residents have had problems. Erin Sullivan has commuted and worked in the South Loop for three years and she thinks the area is fairly safe.

“I have never had a problem parking in the South Loop and I have parked at dozens of garages and lots, including some on State and Wabash,” Sullivan said.

The garages may be safe. However, on some days the Standard Parking facility has no visible attendants on duty. The garage is dark and is located next to an alley, elevated train tracks and busy Roosevelt Road, which could make it a good target for thieves.

Some of these garages have no cashiers at the exit as well.

Dennis Beninato, a representative of The Greater South Loop Association, said the theft increase could be due to a variety of reasons. One reason could be that more people drive to and from the area. Also, the CTA recently cut a local bus route from South Loop to West Loop, which may cause more people to drive.

Beninato also placed blame on unwatched parking facilities. But Officer Ross said police do patrol the area regularly.

Standard Parking’s manager failed to call back and Impark’s manager, Jim Prendergast, was quick to get off the phone when asked questions about theft in his garages.

“I wouldn’t be interested (in answering any questions). You have a good day yourself,” he said. And he hung up.

But Officer Ross put the number of thefts in perspective.

“It’s remarkable it’s that low,” Ross said. With 300,000 people in the downtown area, a million and a half commuters and steady population growth, it could be much worse.