953-959 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago
technical data · neighborhood and transit
Quick answers
- Does 953-959 West Diversey Parkway have open permits or code violations?
- Chicago Department of Buildings lists 30 permits, 23 not closed, and 2 violations, 2 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 953-959 West Diversey Parkway at risk for?
- FEMA's National Risk Index rates the area relatively low overall, with elevated cold wave risk.
Permits and code violations
23 permits not closed out. Unfinished permits pass to the next owner. 2 open violations.
- Permit - signs Oct 2025
Installation of internally illuminated projecting sign on west elevation to read "potbelly sandwich works" connecting to already existing leads - sign c
- Permit - signs Oct 2025
Installation of internally illuminated wall sign on north elevation to read "potbelly sandwich works" connecting to already existing leads - sign a
- Permit - signs Oct 2025
Installation of internally illuminated cabinet sign on already existing ground sign on north elevation to read "potbelly sandwich works" connecting to already existing leads - sign d
- Permit - signs Oct 2025
Installation of non-illuminated wall sign to read "toasted sandwiches, soups, salads,shakes,cookies" on north elevation - sign b
- Permit - signs Aug 2025
Qdoba mexican eats: face repalcements to existing double sided ground sign (n sheffield ave / w diversey pkwy elevation) - 3'-4"h x d 10'-8"w (36 sqft); replaces dob # 100309713 issued 10/26/2009
- Permit - signs Aug 2025
Qdoba mexican eats: internally illuminated face-lit wall sign (w diversey ave elevation facing parking lot) - 2'-10"h x 13'-3"w (38 sqft)
- Permit - signs Feb 2012
Installation of new storefront sign
- Permit - signs Jan 2012
Installation of new awning
- Permit - renovation/alteration Jan 2012Complete
Interior buildout of restaurant per arch plans.
- Permit – express permit program Oct 2011Complete
Alterations of existing commercial space as per drawings; electrical service existing; install additonal circuits, outlets, light fixtures and lines - only
- Permit - signs Jun 2010
To install qty (1) non-illuminated awning.
- Permit - signs Apr 2010
Nsi signs to install (1) (3'-0"x13'-3") illuminated box sign. sign to be located on the front (clark st) elevation. nsi signs to make final connection only. projection on private property
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: Evirons Lincoln Holdings, Llc, 2706 North Lincoln Avenue (950 ft), open. 2 still open. Ask whether groundwater or soil vapor testing was done.
EPA UST Finder, leaking underground storage tank releases
Toxic release facility
1,950 ft
Culinary Foods Inc and 8 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
850 ft
Harriet Tubman Elem School (850 ft), Alcott Elem School (2,300 ft), Mayer Elem School (3,600 ft). Confirm the assigned school with the district.
U.S. Department of Education, NCES
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 Diversey Parkway
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.
- The building has commercial space on the ground floor. Ask about their hours, check where the ventilation or refrigeration units are, and what time deliveries happen in the morning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Look at the stairwell (cleanliness, smell) and the association's notice board: unpaid dues, conflicts, recent decisions.
- 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.