5655 South University Avenue, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 5655 South University Avenue have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 9 permits, 5 not closed, and 3 violations, 3 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 5655 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
5 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 3 open violations.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jun 2025Complete
Spr cbrc 2019: interior alterations to 2nd and 3rd floor bathrooms to convert into gender neutral bathrooms. work to include new paint, flooring, toilets, lavatories and showers. associated m.e.p. updates. no change in use. ib construction, r-2 occupancy per plans **certified plans corrections: conditional permit subject to field inspections **
- Permit - renovation/alteration Mar 2024Complete
Spr 2019 cbrc: revision to permit 101032654 (install 49 panel, 26.46 kw dc solar pv system on roof of exiting 3-story church) to change inverter to solaredge, single phase only, no other changes.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Feb 2024Expired
Remove and replace existing cabinets and countertops, replace two stoves and range hood, and replace ceiling mounted light fixtures. existing use/occupancy classification c, church. proposed use/occupancy is classification c, church.
- Permit – express permit program Jan 2024Complete
Revision to permit #101032654 to change owner.
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jan 2024Expired
Spr 2019 cbrc: proposed installation of a 49 pannel in 2 arrays, 26.46 solar pv system on both sides of the sloped roof of an existing 3 story church, per plans.
- Permit – express permit program Nov 2023Complete
New lighting and appliance power for kitchen remodel.
- Permit - easy permit process May 2021
Tuckpointing parapet wall (no structural work)
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2013
Minor tuckointing. 100 sq. ft.
- Permit - easy permit process Jun 2013
Repair/replace damaged fascia & ridge cap only- no other work to be performed under this permit;- all work same as existing; subject to field inspections
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 (300 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
400 ft
Compton, Arthur H., 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
900 ft
Ray Elem School (900 ft), Kozminski Elem Community Academy (2,750 ft), Murray Elem Language Academy (2,800 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.
- 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.
- Knock on a neighboring door and ask two things: what bothers them most often, and what work is planned for the building.
- 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.