Conkey Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 519 S Dearborn St
519 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Conkey Building (historically also known as the Old Franklin Building) | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 519 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 (building spans roughly 519–537 S Dearborn) | Historic District | Printing House Row District (Chicago Landmark) |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Loft Building | Original Use | Book printing, publishing & bindery (W.B. Conkey Company) |
| Built | 1888 | Architects | Bauman & Lotz |
| Stories | 8 | Current Use | Renovated rental apartments (54 units) with ground-floor commercial storefronts |
Not the Same Building as Franklin Building (720 S Dearborn)
Conkey Building Chicago is sometimes referred to historically as the "Old Franklin Building" or "Franklin Building I," because the W. B. Conkey Company's book-printing operation here was an early tenant connected to the Franklin Printing Company lineage. It is a separate, older structure from the current Franklin Building at 720 S Dearborn St, which was built in 1916 to replace an earlier Franklin Printing Company building nearby.
If you're researching either building, it's worth keeping the two straight: this page covers 519 S Dearborn St, while our separate guide covers 720 S Dearborn St.
Interested in Printer's Row Real Estate Near Conkey Building Chicago?
The Conkey 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 Conkey Building Chicago
Located at 519 S Dearborn Street, Conkey Building Chicago is an 1888 loft structure near the north end of the Printer's Row neighborhood. It was built for the W. B. Conkey Company, once one of the largest book manufacturers and publishers in the country, and today operates as a renovated rental apartment building with ground-floor commercial storefronts.
The building is historically referred to as the Old Franklin Building, since the Conkey operation here was tied to the early Franklin Printing Company lineage on Dearborn Street — distinct from the current, later Franklin Building at 720 S Dearborn.
Conkey Building History
The story of Conkey Building Chicago begins with W. B. Conkey, who began as an operator of a newspaper mailing agency before moving into book-binding, eventually opening a bindery on Dearborn Street. When his quarters became too small, Conkey partnered with Chicago publisher A. Zeese to erect a larger building on Dearborn Street, completed in 1888 and designed by architects Bauman & Lotz.
The W. B. Conkey Company grew into one of the most important book manufacturers and publishers in the country, employing roughly 1,300 people and specializing in catalogues and books. The company eventually outgrew the Dearborn Street building and relocated to a new $150,000 facility in Hammond, Indiana. Like much of Printer's Row, the building was later rehabilitated for residential use, converted into loft-style rental apartments with ground-floor commercial space.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Conkey Building reflects the late 19th-century commercial architecture common to early Printer's Row buildings. Notable characteristics include:
- An 8-story masonry loft structure completed in 1888
- Design by the Chicago architectural firm Bauman & Lotz
- Large windows typical of printing-era commercial buildings, designed to maximize natural light for bindery and press work
- Ground-floor commercial storefronts along Dearborn Street
- Adaptive reuse into loft-style rental apartments
As one of the earlier purpose-built printing and bindery structures on this stretch of Dearborn Street, the building carries historical significance tied to the rise of Chicago's book-publishing industry in the 1880s.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Conkey 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
Conkey Building Chicago sits at 519 S Dearborn Street, at the north end of Printer's Row, close to the 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 Conkey Building benefits from being among the closest Printer's Row addresses to 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 Conkey 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 Conkey 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 Conkey Building
CTA Train Stations
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.1 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Magnificent Mile, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.1 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express, with Blue Line connections nearby.
LaSalle Station200 S LaSalle St · ~0.2 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.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near the Conkey 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 Conkey Building
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel a few blocks south, 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
Living near Conkey Building Chicago provides access to a highly walkable 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 Conkey 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 or Harrison stops just steps 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 Conkey Building Chicago 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 — among the closest Printer's Row addresses to the Loop, minimizing commute time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will enjoy living in a genuine 1888 book-printing landmark tied to the Conkey Company's publishing legacy.
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 Conkey 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
Conkey Building Chicago sits among the closest Printer's Row addresses to the Loop, with short commutes and multiple transportation options.
2. Historic Publishing Pedigree
An 1888 building tied to the W. B. Conkey Company, once one of the country's largest book manufacturers, 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. Ground-Floor Retail
Existing street-level commercial storefronts add everyday convenience to the building.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Rental, Not Condo
The Conkey Building operates as rental apartments rather than for-sale condominiums.
Easily Confused Name
Because of its historic "Old Franklin Building" nickname, Conkey Building Chicago is sometimes mixed up with the current Franklin Building at 720 S Dearborn — a separate, later structure.
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago neighborhoods, traffic can increase during events, parking can be limited, and urban activity levels are higher.
Conkey Building & Nearby Areas Map
Nearby Printer's Row Buildings
Explore More Printer's Row Guides
Franklin Building720 S Dearborn StA 1916 loft building built for the Franklin Printing Company — not to be confused with this page.
Transportation Building600 S Dearborn StThe tallest historic building in Printer's Row, built in 1911.
Terminals Building537 S Dearborn StAn 1892 Van Osdel loft building, now rental apartments.
Morton Building538 S Dearborn StAn 1896 Jenney & Mundie landmark, now part of Hotel Blake.
Pontiac Building542 S Dearborn StHolabird & Roche's oldest surviving downtown Chicago building, built in 1891.
About This Guide Series
This page is part of a series of in-depth guides to historic Printer's Row buildings in Chicago's South Loop, each covering building history, architecture, and neighborhood amenities in detail.
See our Near South Side real estate guide for the full neighborhood overview, or the Loop real estate guide for the adjacent downtown market.
Conkey Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Conkey Building located?
Conkey Building Chicago is located at 519 S Dearborn Street, at the north end of the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
When was the Conkey Building built?
It was completed in 1888, designed by architects Bauman & Lotz for the W. B. Conkey Company.
Is the Conkey Building the same as the Franklin Building?
No. The Conkey Building is historically nicknamed the "Old Franklin Building," but it is a separate, older structure at 519 S Dearborn St. The current Franklin Building at 720 S Dearborn St was built later, in 1916.
Who was W. B. Conkey?
W. B. Conkey started as a newspaper mailing agency operator, moved into book-binding, and eventually built this Dearborn Street building with publisher A. Zeese to house his growing book-printing and publishing business.
Are units in the Conkey Building condos or rentals?
The Conkey Building operates as renovated rental apartments — 54 units — with ground-floor commercial storefronts, not for-sale condominiums.
How many stories is the Conkey Building?
It's 8 stories tall.
What neighborhood is the Conkey Building in?
It's located in Chicago's Printer's Row and South Loop neighborhoods, within the Printing House Row District.
Is the Conkey 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 Conkey Building close to public transportation?
Yes. The Harrison Red Line station and the Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren station are both about a block away.
What restaurants are near the Conkey Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, and Mercat a la Planxa.
What coffee shops are near the Conkey Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near the Conkey Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What hospitals are near the Conkey Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is the Conkey Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits at the north edge of Printer's Row, within a block of the Loop business district.
What makes the Conkey Building unique?
It's an 1888 book-printing landmark tied to the W. B. Conkey Company, one of the country's largest book manufacturers of its era, 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. Historical details such as exact construction date, architect attribution, and address numbering (which shifted with Chicago's 1909 street renumbering) 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.
