Terminals Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 537 S Dearborn St
537 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Terminals Building (historically the Ellsworth Building) | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 537 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printing House Row District (Chicago Landmark) |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Loft Building | Original Use | Printing and commercial building |
| Built | 1892 | Architect | John M. Van Osdel |
| Stories | 14 (reported as 15 in some sources) | Current Use | Rental loft apartments with ground-floor retail |
Interested in Printer's Row Real Estate Near the Terminals Building?
The Terminals Building itself operates as rental apartments, but similar Printer's Row lofts nearby are available for purchase. Browse listings or connect with Lori Wyatt for a private tour of the neighborhood.
About & History
About the Terminals Building
Located at 537 S Dearborn Street, the Terminals Building is one of the oldest surviving structures in Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood, dating to 1892. It stands near the north end of Printer's Row, close to the Loop, and today operates as a rental loft apartment building with ground-floor commercial storefronts.
The building is also historically referred to as the Ellsworth Building, after original commissioning owner J.W. Ellsworth, and is one of the last known works of architect John M. Van Osdel before his death in 1891.
Terminals Building History
Completed in 1892, the Terminals Building was designed by John M. Van Osdel — widely credited as the first professional architect to establish a practice in Chicago, beginning in 1841. Built with a steel frame and clad in brick and terra cotta, it was constructed during the height of Printer's Row's development as Chicago's printing and publishing hub between roughly 1883 and 1912.
As the printing industry moved out of downtown Chicago in the mid-20th century, the building — like many of its Printer's Row neighbors — was later rehabilitated for residential use. It was converted into loft-style rental apartments with commercial space on the ground floor as part of the broader Printer's Row redevelopment.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Terminals Building reflects the late 19th-century commercial architecture style common to early Printer's Row buildings. Notable characteristics include:
- Steel-frame construction with brick and terra-cotta cladding
- A 14-story profile, tall for its 1892 construction date
- Large windows typical of printing-era commercial buildings
- One of the final designs credited to architect John M. Van Osdel
- Adaptive reuse into loft-style rental apartments with ground-floor retail
As one of Van Osdel's last works, the building carries particular historical significance in the story of Chicago's early architectural profession.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Terminals Building sits within the Printing House Row District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1996. The district 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
537 S Dearborn Street sits at the north end of Printer's Row, close to Chicago's Loop business district, providing access to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Museum Campus
- Lake Michigan lakefront
- Financial district
- Downtown entertainment venues
The Terminals Building benefits from being closer to the Loop core than many other Printer's Row buildings, while still sitting within the historic district.
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 Terminals 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.
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 Terminals 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 LoopJust steps north of the building, 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 a short distance south, with green space and seating.
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.
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 Terminals Building
CTA Train Stations
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.2 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express, with Blue Line connections nearby.
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.3 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
LaSalle Station200 S LaSalle St · ~0.4 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail.
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.9 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.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near the Terminals 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 Terminals 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 Terminals Building provides access to a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle, right at the edge of the Loop. 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 Terminals Building
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a short walk into the Loop; commuting via the Library–State/Van Buren stop just a couple blocks 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 Terminals 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, at the north edge of Printer's Row, minimizes commuting time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will enjoy living in one of the last known works of architect John M. Van Osdel, within a designated Chicago Landmark district.
People Who Prefer Walkable Living
Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, transit, and cultural attractions are all within walking distance.
Renters, Students & Visitors
Renters
Since the Terminals Building operates as rental apartments rather than condos, it's a strong fit for renters who want a historic loft-style unit without a purchase commitment.
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
Among the closest Printer's Row addresses to the Loop, with short commutes and multiple transportation options.
2. Historic Architectural Pedigree
One of the last known buildings by John M. Van Osdel, within a National Register and Chicago Landmark district.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Cultural Location
Close access to museums, libraries, parks, concert venues, and historic landmarks.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Rental, Not Condo
Unlike some neighboring Printer's Row buildings, the Terminals Building operates as rental apartments rather than for-sale condominiums.
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.
Terminals Building & Nearby Areas Map
Terminals Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Terminals Building located?
The Terminals Building is located at 537 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, at the north end of the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
When was the Terminals Building built?
It was completed in 1892, designed by architect John M. Van Osdel, one of the last buildings credited to him before his death in 1891.
Is the Terminals Building also called the Ellsworth Building?
Yes. It is historically referred to as the Ellsworth Building, named for original commissioning owner J.W. Ellsworth.
Are units in the Terminals Building condos or rentals?
The Terminals Building operates as rental loft apartments with ground-floor commercial space, not for-sale condominiums.
How many stories is the Terminals Building?
It's generally reported as 14 stories, though some sources list it as 15; unit counts are reported between roughly 52 and 57 apartments.
What neighborhood is the Terminals Building in?
It's located in Chicago's Printer's Row and South Loop neighborhoods, within the Printing House Row District.
Is the Terminals Building part of a historic district?
Yes. It sits within the Printing House Row District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1996.
Is the Terminals Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren CTA station is about two blocks away, with several other CTA and Metra stations within half a mile.
What restaurants are near the Terminals Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, and Mercat a la Planxa.
What coffee shops are near the Terminals Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Terminals Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What parks are near the Terminals Building?
Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, and Printers Row Park.
What hospitals are near the Terminals Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is the Terminals Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits at the north edge of Printer's Row, within a few blocks of the Loop business district.
What makes the Terminals Building unique?
It's one of the last known designs by John M. Van Osdel, Chicago's first professional architect, and one of the closest Printer's Row buildings to the Loop.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Reported details such as exact story count, unit count, and construction year vary slightly across sources and have not been independently verified by us. Distances are approximate. Verify hours, availability, and current offerings directly with each business or the building's management before visiting.
