3542-3548 West Polk Street, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 3542-3548 West Polk Street have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 14 permits, 6 not closed, and 60 violations, 52 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 3542-3548 West Polk Street at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
6 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 52 open violations.
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2022
Tuckpointing - 5000 sqft (no structural work)- all work same as existing; subject to field inspections
- Permit - easy permit process Feb 2021
Replace four lintels under 4', replace two windows and downspout, replace approx 250 bricks,
- Permit – express permit program Mar 2019Complete
Update interior/exterior wiring to correct electrical violation
- Permit – express permit program Mar 2019Complete
Repair/replace 3 meters socket wiring
- Permit - easy permit process Aug 2018
Replacing existing old water pipes with new in bathroom and kitchen; replacing 500 sq ft of drywall (no new plumbing; same as existing)replaceng all domestic hot and cold water piping for 3 units. replace plumbing fixtures in same location for 3 units.
- Permit - easy permit process Apr 2018
Revision to permit # 100613636 to change plumbing contractor to brasero plumbing & constructio
- Permit – express permit program Apr 2017Complete
Changing electrical contractor on building permit # 100613636
- Permit - renovation/alteration Dec 2015Complete
Interior alterations to 1st,2nd and 3rd fl to a existing 3 story brick building w/basement replacement or existing open side porches no a/c as per plans **certified corrections- - subject to field inspections & audit **
- Permit - easy permit process Dec 2013
Garage
- Permit - easy permit process Dec 2013
Replace drywall (over 1000sf). flooring. cabinets. electrical permit # 100519698- all work same as existing
- Permit – express permit program Dec 2013Complete
New 200a 3 meters service and interior wiring on 1st and 2nd floor
- Permit - renovation/alteration Sep 2011Complete
Repair porches as per plans******this permit is 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
12 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Friends Of The Environment, Nfp, 3609-3623 West Harrison Street (1,000 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Brownfield site
2,200 ft
3260 W Congress Pkwy. Former industrial land in EPA's cleanup and reuse program.
EPA ACRES Brownfields
Toxic release facility
2,950 ft
Coca Cola Usa and 1 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
1,050 ft
Gregory Math & Sci Elem Academy (1,050 ft), Noble St Chtr-DRW Trading Col (1,500 ft), Ericson Elem Scholastic Academy (1,800 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
6.1 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 West Polk 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.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- Schedule a viewing on a weekday too, between 6:00 and 7:30 PM, the window when the building is busiest: neighbors, parking, elevator.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.
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