1956 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 1956 South Prairie Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 8 permits, 2 not closed, and 2 violations, 2 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 1956 South Prairie 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
2 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 2 open violations.
- Permit - easy permit process Feb 2022
Repair and replace plumbing fixtures and associated piping only i,flooring,kitchen and bath tile,cabinets,counters,interior doors,trim, and (electrical has to be done on line).
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2018Complete
Update 3 outlets to code dishwasher disconnect switch
- Permit – express permit program Jul 2017Complete
Install 30 amp single phase disconnect to connect to at&t telecom equipment for cellular antenna. installation on utility pole only, not on building.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Aug 2010Complete
Oia '120 n racine ave' enclosed existing roof deck with a wall & sliding glass doors
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2010
Repair of masonry porch at ground level (no structural work)- all work same as existing; subject to field inspections
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jul 2008Complete
Erect new glass and alum frame enclosure at fourth floor deck. no electrical work.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Apr 2008Complete
Addition of one new window and five skylights to a residential building unit #3.
- Permit – express permit program Jul 2007Complete
Installation of a low voltage security system. : 1926 | s | prairie | ave | 60616
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
13 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: R.R. Donnelley & Sons, 1901 South Prairie Ave. (150 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
1,200 ft
Rr Donnelley Sons Co Chicago Manufacturing Div and 4 more within a mile. Reports chemical releases to air, water or land to EPA each year.
EPA Toxics Release Inventory
Historic listing nearby
300 ft
Reid House and 2 more listings close by. Exterior changes can need preservation review; listed buildings can qualify for rehabilitation tax credits.
National Park Service, National Register
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
2,000 ft
Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus (2,000 ft), Graham R Training Center (2,550 ft), National Teachers Elem Academy (2,550 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 Prairie Avenue
All addressesViewing recommendations
What's worth checking in person before deciding.
- This is a house, not an apartment. Check the lot boundaries, car access, and how water drains from the yard after rain, including whether the neighboring lot sits higher and could send water toward the property.
- Test water pressure and temperature at the tap, in the bathroom and kitchen, for at least a minute.
- Check the condition of the fence, yard, and sidewalk out front: who is responsible for upkeep, and whether there are any boundary disputes with neighbors.
- Check the sewer connection (public network or septic tank) and the water source (public network or well), including pressure and water quality.
- Schedule a viewing in the evening too, on a weekday, to see street traffic, streetlights, and how quiet the neighborhood is after 8 PM.
- Ask to see the construction documents (permit, sign-off) and check for visible cracks on the facade or in the attic/basement.
- Check the roof, gutters, and downspouts for signs of leaks or recent repairs, especially if it has rained recently.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.