1601-1607 East 55th Street, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1601-1607 East 55th Street have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 9 permits, 5 not closed, and 0 violations.
- 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 1601-1607 East 55th Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated tornado and heat wave risk.
Permits and code violations
5 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner.
- Permit - signs Jun 2024
Non-illuminated flat wall sign; 44 sq/ft; 6 sq/ft of text; north elevation
- Permit - signs Jun 2024
Non-illuminated flat wall sign; 7 sq/ft; 5 sq/ft of text; north elevation; e/w facing text
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jan 2024Complete
Self cert 2019 cbrc: alteration to an existing tenant space work to include new interior wall(s), ceiling system, mechanical systems, electrical systems, interior finishes, andmillwork. existing restroom to remain. b-business, iiia construction
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2023
Revision to permit # 101027497 change of plumbing to lmn mechanical.
- Permit - renovation/alteration May 2023Complete
Self-cert 2019 cbrc. alteration of existing tenant space, new toilet room, new mechanical system for future tenant. (occupancy b, construction type iiia)
- Permit - signs Feb 2010
Non illuminated flat cutout aluminum letters on race way with led-illuminated fabricated rule line
- Permit - signs Feb 2010
Non illuminated flat cutout aluminum letters on race way with led-illuminated fabricated rule line
- Permit – express permit program May 2009Complete
Low voltage alarm
- Permit - renovation/alteration Mar 2009Complete
Interior buildout to an existing tenant space as per plans ( eye care office)
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: tornado, heat wave, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
4 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Lake Park Assoc., 1552 East 55th St. (350 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
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
500 ft
Bret Harte Elem School (500 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (2,000 ft), Ray Elem School (2,400 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.6 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 55th 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.
- 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.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.