The Chicago Pedway can be a little confusing the first time you use it, especially from the New Eastside. This guide shows how the New Eastside and Lakeshore East connect toward Block 37, with the Aqua access point, nearby hotels, bridge connections, downtown landmarks, and practical tips for residents, visitors, buyers, and sellers.
The video above walks through the route visually. Use the notes below as a quick reference before you go.
Quick Route Snapshot
- Starting area: New Eastside and Lakeshore East
- Main access point: Aqua, near 225 N. Columbus Drive
- Destination: Block 37, 108 N. State Street
- Helpful landmarks: Aqua, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois Center, Macy's, and Block 37
- Best for: winter walks, rainy days, errands, commuting, shopping, and getting to CTA connections
- Good to know: Pedway access depends on building hours and posted signs. Some sections are open longer than others.
What Is the Chicago Pedway?
The City of Chicago describes the Pedway as a downtown pedestrian system that links more than 40 blocks and covers roughly five miles. It includes underground walkways, above-street bridges, building corridors, train station connections, food courts, hotel lobbies, shopping areas, and office-building passages.
That is what makes it useful. It is also what makes it easy to get turned around. The Pedway was built in pieces over many years, so signs, hours, lighting, and access points can change from one building to the next.
Why This Route Matters from the New Eastside
For New Eastside and Lakeshore East residents, the Pedway is not just a downtown curiosity. It is part of everyday city living. On a cold January morning or during a summer rainstorm, being able to reach the Loop, Michigan Avenue, Macy's, CTA stations, and Block 37 without staying outside the whole time is a real advantage.
This is one reason buyers ask about Pedway access when comparing buildings in Lakeshore East. The neighborhood already has the park, lakefront, Riverwalk, Mariano's, restaurants, and high-rise amenities. The Pedway adds another layer of convenience.
Accessing the Chicago Pedway from the New Eastside
A major New Eastside access point was added when Aqua was built in 2009. From the Aqua and Columbus Drive area, you can connect into the Pedway network that runs toward nearby hotels, Illinois Center, Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive, and the Loop.
One detail matters: the Pedway near the New Eastside has more than one branch. The bridge connections over Columbus Drive do not all lead to the same place. One path helps move you toward the Loop and Block 37. Another takes you toward Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. If you are new to the route, slow down at the first few decision points and look for building signs, maps, and familiar landmarks.
If you want the north route toward Wacker and Michigan Avenue, I also wrote a separate guide here: Chicago Pedway North Route from the New Eastside.
Walking from the New Eastside to Block 37
Start near Aqua in Lakeshore East and enter the Pedway connection around Columbus Drive. From there, follow the signs and interior paths west toward the Loop. You will pass through a mix of hotel, office, retail, and public access areas. Expect the route to feel different from section to section.
As you move west, keep Block 37 and State Street in mind as your destination. Block 37 sits at 108 N. State Street and connects to shopping, dining, downtown offices, and CTA service. It is one of the most useful Pedway destinations because it puts you in the center of the Loop without having to make the whole walk at street level.
For many residents, this route becomes easier after doing it once or twice. The first walk is about learning the landmarks. After that, it starts to feel like a hidden downtown shortcut.
What You Will Find Along the Way
The Pedway is not one polished hallway. Some sections are bright and easy to follow. Others are quieter, older, or less obvious. That mix is part of the experience.
From the New Eastside, useful nearby stops can include the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Swissotel, Fairmont, Illinois Center, Macy's, Block 37, quick-service food options, shipping services, and CTA connections. The exact route you use may depend on the time of day, building access, and whether a particular door or escalator is open.
Tips Before You Go
- Check posted hours before relying on the Pedway outside normal business hours.
- Give yourself extra time the first time you try the route.
- Use building names as landmarks, not just street names.
- If a door is locked, backtrack to the last major lobby or sign instead of forcing the route.
- Keep your phone map handy, but remember that GPS can be imperfect indoors.
Why Pedway Access Helps Condo Living
Pedway access is one of those small details that can make downtown Chicago living feel easier. It helps with winter errands, commuting, grocery runs, lunch breaks, visiting friends, and getting around the Loop without planning every walk around the weather.
If you are comparing condos in Lakeshore East, the New Eastside, Streeterville, or the Loop, ask how the building connects to the rest of the neighborhood. A great view matters. A beautiful lobby matters. But so does the daily path you take to get coffee, groceries, transit, the lakefront, and downtown.
You may also find this related guide helpful: Navigating Lakeshore East: A Short Video Guide.
FAQ About the Chicago Pedway from the New Eastside
Can you access the Chicago Pedway from the New Eastside?
Yes. The New Eastside and Lakeshore East connect to the Pedway through access points around Aqua, Columbus Drive, nearby hotels, and Illinois Center.
How do you get from Lakeshore East to Block 37 through the Pedway?
Start near Aqua and Columbus Drive, then follow the Pedway connections west toward the Loop and State Street. Block 37 is located at 108 N. State Street.
Is the Chicago Pedway open on weekends?
Some Pedway sections may be open on weekends, but access depends on the connected buildings. Always check posted hours before relying on a weekend or evening route.
Is the Pedway useful if you live in Lakeshore East?
Yes. For many residents, Pedway access makes it easier to reach downtown offices, shopping, restaurants, CTA connections, and daily errands, especially in bad weather.
Does every Lakeshore East building connect directly to the Pedway?
No. Some buildings are closer to Pedway access than others. If Pedway access is important to you, it is worth comparing each building's location, lobby exits, elevator access, and walking route.
Thinking About Living in the New Eastside?
The Pedway is one of the hidden conveniences that makes the New Eastside and Lakeshore East different from many other downtown Chicago neighborhoods. If you are buying, selling, or trying to understand which buildings best fit your daily routine, I am happy to help.
Explore Lakeshore East condos and neighborhood information, or reach out to Ginger Menne for local guidance on New Eastside and downtown Chicago real estate.
Ginger Menne
Baird & Warner
(312) 927-0852
[email protected]
