5551 South University Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5551 South University Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 13 permits, 4 not closed, and 23 violations, 9 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 5551 South University Avenue at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated tornado and cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
4 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 9 open violations.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Nov 2025Active
Level 2 alteration to four (4) existing dwelling units of existing nine (9) dwellingunits (r-2), 4-story + basement building oftype iii-a construction
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jul 2025Active
Self-cert 2019 cbrc: selective interior, non-structural demolition work in an existing nine (9) dwelling unit, 4-story + basement residential building (r-2) of type iii-a construction
- Permit – express permit program Mar 2025Complete
For permit 101063101: replacement plumbing contractor. new contractor(s) listed under "other applicants and contractors" on permit certificate.
- Permit – express permit program Feb 2025Complete
Line voltage electrical work. new permanent 800 amp service disconnecting means with 10 circuits. receptacle outlets: 1 . lighting outlets: 1. specific location: basement, back of the building.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jan 2025Suspended
Level 2 alteration to five (5) existing dwelling units of existing nine (9) dwelling units (r-2), 4-story + basement building of type iii-a construction
- Permit - renovation/alteration Dec 2024Suspended
Self-cert 2019 cbrc: slective interior, non-structural demolition work an existing ten (9) dwelling unit, 4-story + basement residential building (r-2) of type iii-a construction
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2023Complete
Provide new 3-way switches and lights for basement stair case
- Permit – express permit program Jan 2023Complete
**electrical only permit**400amp service 120/240 volt sing phrase.
- Permit – express permit program Sep 2017Complete
Remodel kitchen/bath with existing circuits. add 240v circuit for oven. add led recessed and under-cabinet lighting. add bathroom exhaust fan. replace existing lights in kitchen, bath, and hall.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2015Complete
Erect 3-story rear 812 sf addition and 3-story rear open porch to existing 3-story structure. interior rennovation of existing 7 dwelling units.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Feb 2015Complete
Self-certification for remodeling of a 7 unit dwelling, demolition scope only, non structural. 5557 south university avenue
- Permit - renovation/alteration Aug 2009Complete
Exterior wood porch rebuild as per plans.
Chicago Department of Buildings
Safety and environment
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
Highest for this area: tornado, cold wave. These drive insurance cost here.
FEMA National Risk Index, census tract
Leaking fuel tanks
1 within 1,650 ft
Nearest: Bbs Associates, Inc., 505 East 57th Street (800 ft), open. 1 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Historic listing nearby
450 ft
Millikan, Robert A., House. 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
1,000 ft
Ray Elem School (1,000 ft), Kozminski Elem Community Academy (2,200 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (2,250 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
Major airport
8.0 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 University 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.
- 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 specifically where you'd park: is there paid city parking, who currently holds it, what the permit costs, and how long the waitlist is.
- 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.
- 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.