3251 South Shields Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 3251 South Shields Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 8 permits, 5 not closed, and 13 violations, 5 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 3251 South Shields 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. 5 open violations.
- Permit - elevator equipment Apr 2024
Installation of one(1) 350lb capacity, 18fpm, straight-rail stairlift, pursuant to the scope of work plans submitted.
- Permit - elevator equipment Jan 2013
Installation of (1) 4 stop hydraulic passenger elevator pursuant to plans submitted. installation to be made in compliance with 2010 city of chicago elevator code & subject to field inspection by city of chicago elevator bureau.
- Permit - elevator equipment Aug 2012
Decommission (1) 4 stop ewgd frieght elevator. work to be made in compliance with city of chicago elevator code & subject to field inspection by city of chcago elevator bureau.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jul 2012Complete
Convert loft buildings into 14 apartments
- Permit - easy permit process May 2009
Remove existing face brick. all elevations as per sketch. 9,637 sq. ft. of brick to be replaced.
- Permit – express permit program May 2009Complete
Install 200 amp 3 phase 4 wire temporary service 120/240 volts. install branch circuits for temporary lighting.
- Permit - renovation/alteration May 2008Complete
Demo interior of existing building. no structural alterations.
- Permit - easy permit process Mar 2008
Repair 20' of parapet wall east along 33rd st., repair 25' of sw corner & 2' along 33rd adn 2' @ shields. no structural work. subject to field inspection.
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
8 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: B&F Tungeon, 3315 South Parnell (1,400 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Toxic release facility
3,700 ft
Maurey Manufacturing Corp and 9 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
2,250 ft
Minnie Minoso Academy (2,250 ft), Healy Elem School (2,350 ft), Air Force Acad High School (2,600 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 Shields 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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