Printer's Row

Printer's Row during the late nineteenth century was known as Chicago's printing and publishing district.  It also was the main passenger train hub for the area at Dearborn Street Station, which is at the southern end of Printer's Row. In the 1970's, it evolved into an art community with artists, photographers and writers.  Today many of the old buildings are still known by their original publishing house names and many have kept the original signs. 

There has been some controversy over the boundaries of the South Loop area which incorporates Printer's Row.  Some say bounded by Cermak, Michigan Avenue, the Chicago River, Congress Parkway-Eisenhower Expressway.  Many people refer to The South Loop as the neighborhood immediately south of 'the Loop'.

Demographics

The residents of Printer's Row are a diverse and eclectic group from business professionals to lawyers and financiers as well as local artists who have been in the area for years.  Students from Columbia College also reside in the neighborhood too.

Neighborhood Attractions

The Dearborn Street Train Station, which first opened in 1885, was the primary passenger carrier for passengers traveling out West. The Santa Fe Railway operated its trains at this station, with daily trips from Chicago to Los Angeles.  During the 1920's, 30's and 40's, you could find a number of celebrities riding the trains.  Dearborn Station was also once the arrival point for thousands of immigrants that came to the city.  In the 1980's, the station was converted into retail and office space.

Ever since 1984, each June Printer's Row has an annual book fair.  Booksellers and readers from all over the city and suburbs attend. You will find hundreds of stalls both on Dearborn and Harrison.  For music lovers, check out the eclectic albums.

Real Estate

Housing in the area consists of printing plants, publishing houses and warehouses that have been converted into condominiums and upscale lofts. Business professionals are attracted to the area because of its close proximity to the Loop. It is also a very family oriented neighborhood.

The historic Transportation Building at 600 S. Dearborn and the Donohue Building at 711 S. Dearborn are among those that have been converted into loft-style apartments.  Even so they still retain a connection to their original history.  You will find plaques in their lobbies with numerous old pictures of these buildings. 1 bedroom 1 bath condos start around $199,000 to give you an idea about affordability in the area.

Restaurants and Clubs

In the evening, you will find the neighborhood alive with people dining and chit chatting. It is a very close knit community where everyone knows everyone else.