Pontiac Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 542 S Dearborn St
542 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Pontiac Building | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 542 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printing House Row District; individually listed on the National Register (1976) |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago School Office Building | Original Use | Office building (printing & publishing tenants) |
| Built | 1891 | Architect | Holabird & Roche (their oldest surviving downtown Chicago work) |
| Stories | 14 | Current Use | Office space transitioning to rental apartments (in progress, announced April 2026) |
A Building In Transition
As of this writing, the Pontiac Building is in the middle of a major change: Chicago-based developer Concord Capital acquired the landmark in April 2026 with plans to convert it, alongside another loft building, into a combined 107 rental apartments (roughly 74 of which are planned for the Pontiac Building itself), with some ground-floor commercial space — including existing retail tenant Potbelly — expected to remain.
A construction start date and completion timeline have not been publicly announced. If you're tracking Printer's Row rental availability, this is a building worth watching.
Interested in Printer's Row Real Estate Near the Pontiac Building?
While the Pontiac Building's apartment conversion is still underway, similar Printer's Row lofts and condos are available now. Browse listings or connect with Lori Wyatt for a private tour of the neighborhood.
About & History
About the Pontiac Building
Located at 542 S Dearborn Street, the Pontiac Building is the oldest surviving downtown Chicago work by architects Holabird & Roche, one of the city's most influential Chicago School firms. Rising 14 stories, it was built in 1891 as an early example of fireproof office construction, originally housing roughly 260 offices occupied largely by printing and publishing companies in Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood.
Today the building is in transition: long used for office space, it's now slated for conversion into rental apartments as part of a broader wave of Chicago office-to-residential projects.
Pontiac Building History
Constructed in 1891 at a cost of about $375,000, the Pontiac Building was designed with a steel frame, tile interior construction, and a brick and terra-cotta exterior — advanced fireproofing techniques for its era. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 16, 1976, and also sits within the broader Printing House Row District.
The building underwent a $7 million renovation in 1986 that modernized its lobby, elevators, and security systems for continued office use while preserving its historic character. In April 2026, Chicago developer Concord Capital acquired the Pontiac Building (along with a loft building at 445 W Erie St) with plans to convert it into rental apartments, continuing Printer's Row's long history of adaptive reuse.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Pontiac Building is a textbook example of Chicago School architecture. Notable characteristics include:
- A 14-story steel-frame structure clad in brick and terra cotta
- Three tiers of bay windows along the Dearborn Street facade
- One tier of bay windows flanked by flat windows on the Federal Street facade
- Early fireproof tile interior construction
- Holabird & Roche's oldest surviving downtown Chicago commission
The building's large windows reflect Printer's Row's unusual street layout, designed to maximize the natural light that printing and engraving businesses relied on.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Pontiac 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
542 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 Pontiac Building's location near the north edge of Printer's Row places it within easy walking distance of the Loop core.
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 Pontiac 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.
Potbelly Sandwich ShopGround floor of the Pontiac Building, 542 S Dearborn StCasual sandwich chain occupying street-level retail space in the building itself.
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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac Building
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel just a few doors down, occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings.
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.
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
The area around the Pontiac Building offers a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle, right at the edge of the Loop. Future residents will be 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 Pontiac 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 Will the Pontiac Building Be Best Suited For?
Future Renters
Downtown Professionals
Once converted, the planned apartments should suit professionals working in the Loop's financial, legal, and corporate offices, given the building's north-Printer's-Row location and short commute.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will value living inside a genuine Holabird & Roche landmark, one of the earliest fireproof office buildings in the city.
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 — even before the residential conversion is complete.
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. Landmark Architectural Pedigree
The oldest surviving downtown Chicago building by Holabird & Roche, individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Ground-Floor Retail Already in Place
Existing street-level retail, including a Potbelly location, adds everyday convenience to the building.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Conversion Still in Progress
As of publication, the Pontiac Building's apartments are not yet available — construction timing has not been publicly announced by the developer.
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 in the surrounding blocks should expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during events — typical characteristics of a central Chicago location.
Pontiac Building & Nearby Areas Map
Pontiac Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pontiac Building located?
The Pontiac Building is located at 542 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, at the north end of the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
When was the Pontiac Building built?
It was built in 1891, making it the oldest surviving downtown Chicago work by architects Holabird & Roche.
Is the Pontiac Building becoming apartments?
Yes. Developer Concord Capital acquired the building in April 2026 with plans to convert it into rental apartments, though a construction timeline hasn't been publicly announced.
How many stories is the Pontiac Building?
It's 14 stories tall, built with a steel frame and clad in brick and terra cotta.
Is the Pontiac Building a Chicago Landmark?
It's individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places (since 1976) and sits within the Printing House Row District, designated a Chicago Landmark in 1996.
What was the Pontiac Building originally used for?
It was built as a fireproof office building, originally housing about 260 offices occupied mostly by printing and publishing companies.
What neighborhood is the Pontiac Building in?
It's located in Chicago's Printer's Row and South Loop neighborhoods.
Is the Pontiac 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 Pontiac Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, Mercat a la Planxa, and a Potbelly location inside the building itself.
What coffee shops are near the Pontiac Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Pontiac Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What hospitals are near the Pontiac Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is the Pontiac 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 Pontiac Building unique?
It's the oldest surviving downtown Chicago building by Holabird & Roche, an early example of fireproof office construction, and currently being converted from offices into apartments.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. The apartment conversion project was announced in April 2026; construction timing, unit counts, and completion dates have not been independently verified by us and may change. Distances are approximate. Verify current availability directly with the building's developer or ownership before making decisions.
