According to a recent article in Crain’s Chicago Business, home sales in the city of Chicago increased 35.5% in March on a year-over-year basis, almost three times the increase that was seen nationwide. The median sales price in Chicago was up 7.8% that same period, while prices jumped 17.2% nationally.

In honor of Black History Month, @properties is excited to spotlight a variety of Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago. Following is a roundup of just some of the great businesses you can support year-round. And we’ll be making a stop at two of them over the next few weeks as part of our @ Loves Local Series. Keep an eye on our blog and our Facebook and Instagram accounts for details, and we hope to see you there!

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Hyde Park is a beautiful neighborhood with a lot to offer. Between enriching art exhibits and museums, a world-renowned university, and well-kept community green spaces, there are a lot of reasons people have fallen in love with Hyde Park. Here are ours:

This week @ Loves Local is heading to a chocolate lover’s paradise in Old Town. Cocoa + Co. is a local chocolate café and coffee shop that awakens senses with freshly made coffee drinks, decadent bites and of course, chocolate.

@ The Market returned with an in-person (and socially distanced) format last month, as @properties’ Co-founders Mike Golden and Thad Wong joined EVP of Corporate Communications Peter Olesker on the roof of Superior House, a brand new luxury condo building in River North.

Golden and Wong revisited a number of storylines from earlier in the year, while also offering their insights on a few emerging trends.

As a locally-owned, independent company, we’re committed to supporting the communities we serve. With that, we’re excited to introduce our brand-new initiative, @ Loves Local.

Through @ Loves Local, we will be spotlighting local businesses and inviting all to support these community pillars. So, on a specified day, we will be opening a tab for individuals to come and pick up a treat on us!

There is no denying the impact that COVID-19 has had on our day-to-day lives, which is why it’s never been more important to support the local businesses that help our communities thrive.

From a fabric store on the North Shore that is helping people make masks for essential workers to a distillery that’s producing hand sanitizer instead of spirits, local businesses have come together in new ways to support each other, their communities, and those on the frontlines.

While you stay safe at home, here are 10 local businesses that you can help support throughout Chicagoland.

There’s no place quite like the West Loop. What was once a meatpacking district has quickly grown to become one of the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago. From world-class restaurants to iconic festivals and great parks, it’s no wonder people flock to this side of town.

Whether you’re on a leisurely visit or looking to call the West Loop home, it’s sure to welcome you with open arms. Here are just a few things we love about this vibrant neighborhood:

Chicago goes through a sort of metamorphosis as winter takes a firm grip over the city, bringing cold weather and incredibly short days. But don’t feel bad making runs to the local convenience store in sweatpants and slippers — during the coldest winter days, it takes a lot of motivation and sheer willpower just to leave the house. When not hibernating, Chicago residents can be seen digging their vehicles out from snow drifts and ice, meeting up at corner bars, or even jumping into a frozen Lake Michigan.

Legendary American author Mark Twain once famously quipped to a reporter that news of his death had been greatly exaggerated. Similarly, we Chicagoans frequently find ourselves in the position, these days, of having to remind others that our city is not only still alive, but is thriving in many ways.

While major cities throughout the greater Midwest struggle to reinvent themselves, Chicago has remained economically viable and vibrant despite a flurry of negative headlines. Tourism figures continue to break records, a revitalized downtown has drawn numerous new corporate headquarters and expansions, and the city’s vast housing stock remains quite affordable relative to other major metros – both nationally and internationally.