Cermak/Chinatown

DePaul Arena Part of South Loop Neighborhood's Economic Expansion
Mayor Emanuel introduced DePaul's new $300 million, 10,000-seat basketball arena and McCormick Place hotel complex at a Thursday press conference. He also said another area college team has expressed interest in playing in the arena.

• Video: Press conference highlights | Archive
• Visuals: Infographic | Map, arena renderings
  
• Social media: Arena announcement, reaction

Photo: Mayor Emanuel announces the new arena. (Photo/Will Wilson)

Red Line Contingency Plan Passes First Test
The Red Line Project's Josclynn Brandon braved the real test of the Red Line South construction plan -- the first rush-hour commute from 95th Street. Her experience in a nutshell? Smooth sailing.

• Social media: Riders react
  
• Preview: The Thin Red Line

Graphic: Part of the Red Line South Branch.

Music Venues Out to Make a Difference in Near South Side Neighborhood
The Shrine, Reggie’s Rock Club and the Blues Heaven Foundation hope to establish an entertainment district in the area, which is riddled with violent crime. Related:

• Roosevelt: Chicago band You Are Here
• Roosevelt: A night at Buddy Guy's Legends
  

Photo: Up-and-coming band You Are Here practices. (Photo/Oralis Moreno)

Chinatown Celebrates New Year in Style
Despite heavy snow, more than 20,000 people stood on the streets of Chicago's Chinatown to watch the Chinese Lunar New Year Parade.

Photo: Parade-goers pour into Chinatown (Photo by Candice Silva)