2553-2555 South Lowe Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 2553-2555 South Lowe Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 7 permits, 5 not closed, and 60 violations, 19 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 2553-2555 South Lowe Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
5 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 19 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program Dec 2024Complete
For permit 101033679: replacement plumbing contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
- Permit - renovation/alteration May 2024Active
Interior remodeling of the existing 2 basement residential units to comply with city of chicago building code.
- Permit – express permit program May 2023Active
**electrical only permit**upgrade service only new 400 amp 7 meter 100 amp per position 120/240 volt 1 phase 3 wire overhead.
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2023
Repair/replace the spalling brick of the parapet walls around the building(appro 800 sq ft)repair roof chimney same size and locations,tuckpointing front elevation.
- Permit - renovation/alteration May 2022Complete
Replacement of the existing front wood porch and repair the existing rear wood porch as violations.
- Permit - porch construction Oct 2006
Rebuild front and back porch as per plans.
- Permit - easy permit process May 2006
Repair / replace existing floor and tile as needed. all work same as existing.
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
4 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Amoco Oil Co. #15519, 444 West 26th St. & Canal (1,200 ft), no further action. Every release here is closed by the state regulator.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Toxic release facility
600 ft
Panel Processing Of Illinois Inc and 12 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
800 ft
Sheridan Elem Math & Science Acad (800 ft), Ward J Elem School (2,300 ft), Healy Elem School (2,350 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
6.9 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 Lowe 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.
- 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.
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.