About Us | South Loop Neighbors

South Loop Neighbors

Established 1996

South Loop Neighbors is a non-profit membership based organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in South Loop's neighborhoods and preserving the area's landmark districts.

South Loop Neighbors represents South Loop residents who are concerned about:

Ensuring high-quality, reasonably-sized real estate development as well as infrastructure improvements that respect the unique character of our community
Preserving and protecting the area's Landmark Districts, including Printing House Row and Historic Michigan Boulevard
Promoting quality education, recreation, services, retail, community activities, and events
Maintaining a socially, culturally, and economically diverse neighborhood
Developing strong relationships with key city officials to ensure they respect, hear, and act on the concerns and ideas of the South Loop community

Board Members

Jim Wales, President

Jim worked in law enforcement administration in a Chicago suburban community for over 30 years and for 20 years was an adjunct faculty member at a suburban community college. He is an active Rotarian, serving in the past as the International Service Advisor for Rotary District 6440 and currently as a member of the Board of Directors for Rotary District 6450. Jim settled in the south loop where, in addition to SLN, he is also active in the Grant Park Advisory Council serving as Vice President and is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Chicago Citywide Service. Jim also serves on the Chicago Police Department’s 1st District Advisory Council. Jim joined board in December 2016.

Jack Chalabian, Vice President

Jack moved to the South Loop, Printer's Row neighborhood in 2021. He joined as a board of Director in January 2023. He co-leads the Beat 123 Block Watch program. He is a member of the Printers Row Park District Advisory Council. Jack is a Transportation Planning professional with over 20 years of experience. He has led a number of public safety events for the South Loop Neighbors, and advocates for sustainable transportation and infrastructure improvements in the South Loop community.

Benjamin Cottrell, Secretary

Benjamin heads up his own firm - Benjamin Cottrell Designs, which is an innovative, full-service design firm, specializing in Interior Design and Event Production. Benjamin joined the board in 2012 and has served as both our secretary and vice-president, and for the past two years has served as the Chair of Loft Walk and Yard Sale. Always the innovator, over the years has set-up various collaborations with local businesses.

Rob Hard, Treasurer

Rob joined the board in January 2023. He moved to the South Loop in 2004. He is the organizer behind Chicago South Loop Explorers. He is also the chair of the 4th Ward Community Advisory Council, a member of the Dearborn Park Security Council and a board member for his association’s condo board. He works in marketing communications management in the health care sector. Rob earned a master’s degree in writing and a bachelor’s degree in communications. He has lived in the South Loop since 2004.

Sarah Breedlove, Communication

Sarah Breedlove is a certified Pilates instructor and personal trainer. She has supported individuals and groups in creating joyful ease in posture and all types of physical activity, since 1995. As an inclusive body-awareness educator, Sarah believes that all individuals are worthy and capable of finding freedom through movement and confidence in their bodies. Sarah’s coaching style emphasizes the mind-body connection through simple guided imagery and practical humor, while helping clients develop personal accountability to achieve their personal goals. Outside of training clients, Sarah enjoys practicing Circus Arts, taking dance classes, and exploring the city without a car!

Tyler Jones, Planning and Development

Tyler is a real estate professional with a background spanning construction, urban planning, and development. He has led landmark construction projects and managed community-focused developments with a focus on meticulous analysis and strategic vision. This experience is complemented by a masters degree in urban planning and experience with community engagement. As a local homeowner and father of two young children, he is committed to applying his unique perspective to help integrate developments into the fabric of the community and ensure South Loop continues to flourish.

Greg Borzo, Director

Greg is an award-winning journalist who has worked for Traffic World Weekly, American Medical News, Field Museum, and University of Chicago. Born in Chicago, he has written several books about The Windy City, including Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains, Where to Bike Chicago, The Chicago “L” and Lost Restaurants of Chicago. Borzo earned a BA at Grinnell College and a Master’s from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. He and his wife, Christine, moved to the South Loop in 2008, when he joined the SLN’s board for a couple of years. He rejoined the board in 2020.

Susan Zinner, Director

Susan Zinner is from Louisville, Kentucky and has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, a master’s degree in health administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She is a full Professor at Indiana University’s northwest (IUN) campus in Gary, Indiana where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. She was elected IUN Faculty President from 2016-2020. She and her husband, Tom Brierton, have lived in the South Loop since February 2022.

Diana Turoski, Director

Diana is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a B.S. in both Management and Marketing. Having spent over a dozen years in the real estate industry as a lobbyist, public relations professional, manager and trainer, Diana Turowski has joined @properties as a Realtor®. She is a pioneering resident of Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, with her boyfriend and numerous pets. As an offspring of a long-time real estate family in Chicago’s far north suburbs, real estate is her life-long dream.

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