1520-1522 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1520-1522 South Wabash Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 40 permits, 25 not closed, and 60 violations, 18 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 1520-1522 South Wabash Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively high overall, with elevated tornado and inland flooding risk.
Permits and code violations
25 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 18 open violations.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2025Suspended
2019 self cert correct building code violations, convert to auto repair, interior alterations to an existing 1 story commercial building.
- Permit – express permit program Jan 2024Complete
Change of electrical contractor from original building permit number 100993022
- Permit - renovation/alteration Dec 2022Expired
Self-cert 2019 cbrc: vip nails spa expansion into neighboring unit at 1512 s wabash ave and its interior remodeling with associated architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. existing and proposed business use, b occ.- professional service. type 1-b const.
- Permit – express permit program Nov 2022Complete
Replace 7 layin light fixtures with led. add exit sign support existing electrical work.
- Permit - easy permit process Oct 2021
Revision to permit no 100932325 to change property owner to landmark lofts condominium association
- Permit - renovation/alteration Aug 2021Complete
Spr 2019 cbrc: remove and replace existing private roof decks and partition walls in kind, to units 203, 204, 205, 206 (occupancy group r-2; type 1-a construction)
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2021
Roof recover only - no structural work
- Permit - easy permit process Dec 2020
Install 45 linear feet of flashing on south elevation.replace 40 linear feet of caulking on balcony only.
- Permit - signs Jun 2020
Install one set of non internally illuminated metal letter to be mount on east side of building elevation (styling studio)
- Permit – express permit program Apr 2020Complete
Fire alarm - adding detectors & relay in elevator mach. room on roof (p). ck#92490;$600.00.
- Permit - elevator equipment Apr 2019
Modernization of two(2) traction: (1) 2000lb capacity, 11 floor;(1) 3000lb capacity, 12 floor, passenger elevators pursuant to the scope of work submitted.(ev017209) to include: controllres, fixtures, & door equipment
- Permit - signs Aug 2018
Installation of (1)set of window vinyl graphics to be installed in the front window elevation. sign to read sydnee's pet grooming pac foundation with a dog graphic.
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High
Highest for this area: tornado, inland flooding, heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
22 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: 51 East 14th Street Development Corp., 1415 South Wabash Avenue (800 ft), open. 6 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Toxic release facility
3,650 ft
General Packaging Products Inc and 4 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
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
1,950 ft
Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus (1,950 ft), South Loop Elem School (2,100 ft), National Teachers Elem Academy (3,550 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.3 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 South Wabash Avenue
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.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- 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.
- 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.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
The year built, height regime, structure, and elevator for this address are being indexed right now, city by city. Save the page and check back: it fills in over time. If you live here, you can fill it in yourself in a minute by leaving a review.