5204-5206 South Harper Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5204-5206 South Harper Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 20 permits, 7 not closed, and 60 violations, 33 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 5204-5206 South Harper Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
7 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 33 open violations.
- Permit – express permit program Oct 2024Suspended
Tuckpointing and unit masonry repair / replacement: 2000 sq. ft., lintel qty. 30, max. length 8. parapet rebuilding: 300 sq. ft. location: replace existing lintels as exist.
- Permit - elevator equipment May 2020
Installation of one(1) 750lb capacity, 2-stop, commercial platform lift, pursuant to the scope of work plans submitted.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Feb 2020Complete
Self-cert permit for interior alteration of 1st floor east commercial unit within existing mixed use commercial residential building. work includes installation of handicap accessible platform lift, rework existing stair and landing, and creation of a vestibule per plans
- Permit - easy permit process Jul 2019
Tuckpointing of (400 sq ft).only.
- Permit - new construction Jun 2017Complete
Permit expires on 08/23/2017 erection starts: 6/24/2017, erection ends: 6/25/2017. erection starts: 6/24/2017, erection ends: 6/25/2017. stage- self-cert - 1 day event (6/24/17) erect one (1) stage 22x29x14, setup 6/24/17- remove 6/25/17 assembly
- Permit - scaffolding May 2014
Erect 1 scaffold from 5/5/2014 to 5/5/2015.
- Permit - easy permit process Jan 2014
Repair/replace drywall, windows, doors and flooring. electrical on separate permit. work on ground floor.
- Permit – express permit program Jan 2014Complete
Install new outlets and switches.
- Permit – express permit program Oct 2013Complete
Access to control system
- Permit - easy permit process Oct 2013
Tuckpoint (1,000 sq. ft.) & replacement of deteriorated commonbrick in private courtyard.
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2013Complete
Building cameras installation
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2013Complete
Install 8 exterior light fixtures.
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
16 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Northeast Illinois Railroad Corp., 49th St. In Day Ryan Expressway (150 ft), open. 2 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
950 ft
Kenwood Academy High School (950 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (1,200 ft), Shoesmith Elem School (2,000 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.4 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 Harper 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 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.
- 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.
Neighborhood recommendations are derived from public OpenStreetMap data and may be incomplete. Checking in person is still what matters most.