1213-1215 East 53rd Street, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1213-1215 East 53rd Street have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 15 permits, 6 not closed, and 23 violations, 10 open.
- What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Cook County?
- $832,750 for a single-unit home, per FHFA. Larger loans are jumbo loans.
- Is radon a problem here?
- EPA radon zone 2, moderate potential.
- What natural disasters is 1213-1215 East 53rd Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
6 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 10 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program May 2026Active
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 150 sq. ft., lintel qty. 0, max. length 0. parapet rebuilding: 108 sq. ft. location: south and east elevation.
- Permit – express permit program May 2025Suspended
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 100 amp service disconnecting means with 1 circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 0. specific location: basement.
- Permit – express permit program May 2025Suspended
Repair or in-kind replacement of 6 plumbing fixtures as described in permit application. locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), plumbing repair work - remodeling.
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2024Suspended
Scope: interior nonstructural alteration for bathroom remodel to add new electrical and replace plumbing fixtures. locations: 1 residential unit(s), 0 non-residential unit(s), bathroom remodel (tile, shower, toilet, vanity).
- Permit – express permit program Jan 2021Complete
**electrical only permit**upgrade existing 200a 120/240v service to 400a service. install new main and supplemental ground per code. replace 1 fuse panel with new circuit breaker panel in basement. re-route existing feeders for 5 circuit breaker panels existing in apartments to new metering.
- Permit - easy permit process May 2017
Plumbing only: replace 3/4 hot and cold water risers in 3 units, subject to field inspections.
- Permit - easy permit process Sep 2012
Renovation of unit 2 e per plans including replacement of plumbing fixtures & bedroom wall. replace doors, windows. electrical on separate permit.
- Permit – express permit program Aug 2012Complete
New outlets, switches, light fixtures on existing previous openings in apt ....2e
- Permit – express permit program Jun 2012Complete
Install 3-20 amp 120v recepticle outlets for 2nd floor bedrooms
- Permit – express permit program May 2011Complete
Residential installation of a low voltage security alarm system ijob 573-88987 niut #1w
- Permit – express permit program Oct 2010Complete
Full address is 1213-15 e. 53rd st. rear porch lighting, old porch was removed and a new porch installed. install four lights to illuminate the stairwell, a parking lot fixture and 2 deck lights.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Aug 2010Complete
Replace the rear three story open wood porch same size same location as existing per drawings to an existing residential bldg.
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
5 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: University Of Chicago/Real Estate Operations, 1330 East 53rd Street (300 ft), no further action. Every release here is closed by the state regulator.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Radon potential
Moderate
Average indoor levels of 2 to 4 pCi/L. EPA still suggests testing ground-floor and basement units.
EPA and USGS Geologic Radon Potential Map
Nearest public schools
1,050 ft
Murray Elem Language Academy (1,050 ft), Kozminski Elem Community Academy (1,750 ft), Shoesmith Elem School (2,100 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.1 mi
Chicago Midway (MDW). Aircraft may be audible under approach paths.
FAA large-hub airports
Sinkhole-prone ground
Limestone karst
The bedrock here (dolostone (dolomite), Silurian) can dissolve and open sinkholes. Ask for a geotechnical report and check whether sinkhole coverage is in the insurance policy.
USGS Karst in the United States (OFR 2014-1156)
Conforming loan limit 2026
$832,750
Cook County. Mortgages up to this amount qualify for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pricing. Above it, the loan is a jumbo with stricter terms.
FHFA Conforming Loan Limit Values, one-unit
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Who lives and works in Chicago
Trading floors, logistics and the deepest architecture stock in America
Chicago carries a full corporate economy at a price the coasts do not match. Neighborhoods are distinct and walkable, two and three flats are everywhere, and the Loop still sets the commute for finance, law and consulting.
- $71,673
- median household income
- 18.9%
- residents aged 25 to 34
- 45%
- households that own their home
What pays the bills
- Finance and trading
- Logistics and rail
- Law and consulting
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
Who anchors the economy
CME Group · Boeing suppliers · University of Chicago · Northwestern Medicine · United Airlines
The market is shaped around
- Young professionals
- Families buying space
- Two and three flat owners
More on East 53rd Street
All addressesViewing recommendations
What's worth checking in person before deciding.
- Test water pressure and temperature at the tap, in the bathroom and kitchen, for at least a minute.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Ask specifically where you'd park: is there paid city parking, who currently holds it, what the permit costs, and how long the waitlist is.
- Ask for the latest maintenance bill from a winter month, not a summer one: that's where the real cost of living there shows up.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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