Transportation Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 600 S Dearborn St
600 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Transportation Building | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 600 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printer's Row Historic District |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago High-Rise | Original Use | Commercial office building |
| Built | 1911 | Architect | Fred V. Prather |
| Stories | 22 (tallest in Printer's Row) | Current Use | Condominium loft residences |
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About & History
About the Transportation Building
Located at 600 S Dearborn Street, the Transportation Building is the tallest historic high-rise in Chicago's Printer's Row Historic District. Rising 22 stories on a narrow sliver of land between Federal and Dearborn Streets, it has anchored the neighborhood since the early 1910s and today stands as one of Printer's Row's most recognized loft condominium buildings.
The building is known for its striking height relative to its narrow footprint, its Prohibition-era history, and its position at the center of one of Chicago's best-preserved historic loft districts.
Transportation Building History
Built in 1911 and designed by architect Fred V. Prather, the Transportation Building was constructed as a commercial office building at a time when Printer's Row was Chicago's printing and publishing hub. Standing 22 stories tall on a lot only about 67 feet wide, it was reportedly the tallest building in Chicago south of Congress Street when it was completed — second only to the tower of the old Grand Central Station.
In the late 1920s, the building's offices reportedly housed the Prohibition Bureau's Chicago field operation, where federal agent Eliot Ness and his team — later known as "The Untouchables" — worked to enforce the Volstead Act against Al Capone's bootlegging operations. Like much of Printer's Row, the building fell into disuse as printing companies moved out in the mid-20th century, before being converted to rental apartments in 1980 and to condominiums in 1996.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Transportation Building reflects the more functional, minimally ornamented commercial style that emerged in Chicago in the early 1900s. Notable characteristics include:
- A 22-story masonry high-rise on a narrow, roughly 67-foot-wide lot
- Nearly 300 feet of frontage along Dearborn Street
- A grand historic lobby finished in mosaic and marble
- Large windows typical of early 20th-century Chicago commercial towers
- Adaptive reuse into loft-style residential condominiums
At the time of construction, the building's scale helped establish Printer's Row's identity as a district of substantial commercial buildings rather than low warehouses alone.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Transportation Building's location within Printer's Row is one of its defining characteristics. The neighborhood became famous for its concentration of printing-related businesses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the neighborhood combines:
- Historic loft buildings
- Restaurants and cafés
- Cultural destinations
- Downtown employment access
- Residential communities
It's one of Chicago's best examples of adaptive reuse, transforming historic commercial buildings into modern living and working spaces.
Location Overview & Nearby Landmarks
Location Overview
600 S Dearborn Street sits between Chicago's South Loop and Printer's Row neighborhoods, providing access to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Museum Campus
- Lake Michigan lakefront
- Financial district
- Downtown entertainment venues
The Transportation Building benefits from being close to both Chicago's historic areas and modern downtown conveniences.
Nearby Major Landmarks
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State Street
Chicago's central library, offering extensive collections, public programs, exhibitions, and community spaces.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph Street
Known as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park covers over 300 acres with walking paths, gardens, public events, and access to Buckingham Fountain.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
Home to Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and public art installations.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Avenue
One of the world's leading art museums, with extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and cultural exhibits.
Dining & Coffee Near the Transportation Building
Restaurants
Eleven City Diner1112 S Wabash AveOld-school deli-style diner known for breakfast dishes, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria805 S State StOne of Chicago's most recognized deep-dish pizza spots, known for its butter crust and carryout/delivery.
Half Sour755 S Clark StSouth Loop favorite for brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant1401 S Michigan AveUpscale dining inside a historic firehouse, featuring steaks, seafood, and American cuisine near Museum Campus.
Flo & Santos1310 S Wabash AveCombines Polish cuisine (pierogi) with Chicago tavern-style thin-crust pizza and burgers.
Mercat a la Planxa638 S Michigan Ave, inside the Blackstone HotelSpanish-inspired tapas, charcuterie, and cocktails near Grant Park.
Coffee Shops
Dollop Coffee Co.418 S Wabash AveEspresso drinks, cold brew, pastries, and workspace-friendly seating.
Hero Coffee Bar22 E Ida B Wells DrSpecialty coffee and quick service, convenient for commuters heading to the Loop.
Intelligentsia Coffee53 E Randolph StOne of Chicago's most famous specialty roasters, near Millennium Park and downtown offices.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago646 N Michigan AveA multi-level coffee destination with roasting demonstrations (farther north, on Michigan Ave).
Groceries & Shopping
Grocery Stores & Daily Shopping
Trader Joe's1147 S Wabash AveFresh produce, frozen foods, organic and specialty items at affordable prices.
Jewel-Osco1224 S Wabash AveFull-service grocery store with pharmacy services and household products.
Target1154 S Clark StHousehold items, electronics, clothing, groceries, and pharmacy.
Whole Foods Market1101 S Canal StOrganic groceries, prepared foods, and specialty products.
Shopping Near the Transportation Building
The Shops at Roosevelt Collection150 W Roosevelt RdSouth Loop retail and entertainment destination with stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and outdoor spaces.
State Street Shopping DistrictChicago LoopA short distance away, offering major retailers, department stores, and classic Chicago shopping.
Parks, Fitness & Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Grant Park337 E Randolph StWalking paths, gardens, open lawns, public events, and Buckingham Fountain.
Lakefront TrailChicago LakefrontAn 18-mile path along Lake Michigan for walking, running, and cycling.
Maggie Daley Park337 E Randolph StRock climbing wall, ice skating ribbon, play areas, and gardens near Millennium Park.
Printers Row Park744 S Dearborn StA neighborhood park in the Printer's Row area with green space and seating, a few blocks south.
Fitness Centers & Wellness
East Bank Club500 N Kingsbury StPremier fitness club with equipment, swimming pools, group classes, and sports facilities.
LA Fitness1101 S Canal StWeight training, cardio equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
FFC South Loop1620 W Roosevelt RdStrength training, fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programs.
The Transportation Building itself also includes an on-site fitness center, sauna, steam room, and rooftop deck for residents.
Entertainment & Cultural Attractions
Museums & Attractions
The Field Museum1400 S Lake Shore DrOne of the world's leading natural history museums.
Shedd Aquarium1200 S DuSable Lake Shore DrMarine life exhibits, aquatic education, and family attractions.
Adler Planetarium1300 S DuSable Lake Shore DrAmerica's first planetarium, offering astronomy exhibits and lakefront views.
Performing Arts
Chicago Symphony Center220 S Michigan AveHome of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Also nearby: Auditorium Theatre and Chicago Theatre, both popular year-round entertainment venues in the downtown core.
Transportation Near the Transportation Building
CTA Train Stations
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.2 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side — about a block and a half away.
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.3 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express, with Blue Line connections nearby.
LaSalle Station200 S LaSalle St · ~0.5 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail.
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.8 milesRed, Green, and Orange Lines, connecting to downtown, Hyde Park, and Midway Airport.
Metra, Bus & Bike
LaSalle Street Station414 S LaSalle StServes Metra's Rock Island District Line.
Millennium Station151 N Michigan AveMetra Electric Line access to Hyde Park, University of Chicago area, and South Shore communities.
Bus: Nearby CTA routes run along Michigan Avenue, State Street, Harrison Street, and Roosevelt Road.
Bike: Divvy bike-share stations throughout South Loop and downtown, with dedicated bike lanes and Lakefront Trail access. The building also offers secured resident bike storage.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near the Transportation Building
Northwestern Memorial Hospital251 E Huron StLeading academic medical center offering emergency care, specialty medicine, and surgery.
Rush University Medical Center1620 W Harrison StNationally recognized hospital offering emergency, cancer, heart, and neurology care.
University of Illinois Hospital1740 W Taylor StMajor teaching hospital with medical specialties and emergency services.
Insight Hospital & Medical Center (formerly Mercy Hospital)2525 S Michigan AveEmergency care and specialty healthcare south of the neighborhood.
Schools & Education
South Loop Elementary School1212 S Plymouth CtNeighborhood public elementary school serving South Loop families.
Jones College Prep High School700 S State StSelective enrollment CPS high school known for strong academics and college prep.
Columbia College Chicago600 S Michigan AvePrivate college focused on arts, media, and communication.
Roosevelt University430 S Michigan AveLocated in the historic Auditorium Building; business, arts, education, and sciences programs.
DePaul University – Loop Campus1 E Jackson BlvdUndergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Hotels & Everyday Services
Hotels Near the Transportation Building
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection636 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel near Grant Park with fine dining and a downtown location.
Congress Plaza Hotel520 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel overlooking Grant Park, popular for events and skyline views.
Hilton Chicago720 S Michigan AveMajor downtown hotel near Grant Park with meeting spaces, restaurants, and fitness facilities.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place2233 S Martin Luther King DrMajor convention hotel serving McCormick Place visitors.
Banking & Parking
Chase Bank1200 S Wabash AveChecking, savings, ATMs, and personal banking.
Bank of America Financial Center135 S LaSalle StLocated in the downtown financial district.
USPS Loop Station211 S Clark StPostal services for residents and businesses.
Grant Park North Garage & Millennium Garages25 N Michigan Ave and multiple downtown locationsLarge public parking facilities, plus several private South Loop garages nearby.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
Living near the Transportation Building provides access to a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle. Residents are close to:
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Downtown offices
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Museums and cultural attractions
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Public transportation
- ✓ Universities and schools
The area combines historic Chicago architecture with the convenience of modern urban living.
A Typical Day Near the Transportation Building
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a walk through Printer's Row; a workout in the building's fitness center or a run along the Lakefront Trail; commuting via the Harrison Red Line stop a block and a half away.
Afternoon
Downtown offices, the Harold Washington Library Center, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Evening
Dinner at a South Loop restaurant, events at Millennium Park, a concert at Chicago Symphony Center, or a walk through Grant Park with lake views.
Who Is the Transportation Building Best Suited For?
Ideal Residents
Downtown Professionals
Ideal for those working in the Loop financial district, legal offices, government buildings, tech companies, and corporate offices — the location and nearby Red Line stop reduce commuting time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings and Prohibition-era history will enjoy the character of Printer's Row and the building's own past.
People Who Prefer Walkable Living
Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, transit, and cultural attractions are all within walking distance.
Students, Faculty & Visitors
Students & Faculty
Convenient for those connected to Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, DePaul University's Loop Campus, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Visitors & Urban Explorers
Attractive for people who enjoy being close to museums, architecture tours, restaurants, parks, and entertainment venues.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths, outdoor photography, gardens, and lakefront views at Grant Park; historic architecture walks, independent shops, and local restaurants in Printer's Row.
Summer
Outdoor concerts, public art, and festivals at Millennium Park; cycling, running, and walking along the lakefront, including Northerly Island, Museum Campus, and Ohio Street Beach.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours of historic buildings and downtown landmarks; museum visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry.
Winter
Ice skating and holiday events at Millennium Park; theater and entertainment at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Theatre, and Symphony Center.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Exceptional Downtown Access
Short commute, multiple transportation options including a Red Line stop a block and a half away, and easy access to business districts.
2. Historic Neighborhood Character
Printer's Row offers historic architecture, a unique streetscape, and an established community feel — plus the building's own Prohibition-era history.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Building Amenities
On-site fitness center, sauna, steam room, rooftop deck, 24-hour doorperson, and secured bike storage.
Considerations About the Area
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago neighborhoods, traffic can increase during events, parking can be limited, and urban activity levels are higher.
City Living Experience
Residents should expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during events — typical characteristics of a central Chicago location. The building has no attached or detached parking, so residents typically rely on nearby garages.
Transportation Building & Nearby Areas Map
Transportation Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Transportation Building located?
The Transportation Building is located at 600 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, in the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
When was the Transportation Building built?
It was built in 1911 and designed by architect Fred V. Prather, originally as a commercial office building.
Is the Transportation Building connected to Eliot Ness?
Yes. The building reportedly housed the Prohibition Bureau's Chicago field offices in the late 1920s, where Eliot Ness and "The Untouchables" worked to enforce Prohibition laws against Al Capone's operations.
Is the Transportation Building condos or rentals?
It was converted to rental apartments in 1980 and then to condominiums in 1996. Today it's a loft-style condominium building with around 283–294 residential units.
What neighborhood is the Transportation Building in?
It's located in Chicago's South Loop and Printer's Row neighborhoods, within the Printer's Row Historic District.
What amenities does the Transportation Building have?
Reported amenities include a fitness center, sauna, steam room, rooftop deck, 24-hour doorperson, on-site management, and secured bike storage.
Is the Transportation Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Harrison Red Line station is about a block and a half away, with several other CTA and Metra stations within half a mile.
What restaurants are near the Transportation Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, and The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.
What coffee shops are near the Transportation Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Transportation Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What parks are near the Transportation Building?
Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, and Printers Row Park.
What hospitals are near the Transportation Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is the Transportation Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It's located near Chicago's Loop business district, within walking distance of the Loop and Grant Park.
Does the Transportation Building have parking?
The building itself has no attached or detached parking; residents typically use nearby public garages such as Grant Park North Garage or the Millennium Garages.
What makes the Transportation Building unique?
It's the tallest historic building in Printer's Row, known for its narrow footprint, early 20th-century commercial architecture, and reported Prohibition-era history involving Eliot Ness.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Historical details such as the exact construction year and the Eliot Ness office connection are widely reported but not independently verified by us; distances are approximate. Verify hours, availability, and current offerings directly with each business or the building's management before visiting.
