Dearborn Park I Chicago | Complete Guide to 899 S Plymouth Ct
899 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row / South Loop
| Building Name | Dearborn Park I (High Rise 1) | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 899 S Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605 | Development | Dearborn Park |
| Property Type | South Loop Condominiums | Original Use | Purpose-built residential condominiums |
| Built | 1980 | Master Plan Architect | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
| Stories | 27 | Current Use | Condominiums (~250 units, studio to 3-bedroom) |
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Dearborn Park I: Photo Gallery
About & History
About Dearborn Park I
Located at 899 S Plymouth Court, Dearborn Park I (often called Dearborn Park High Rise 1) is a 27-story condominium tower on the southern edge of the Printer's Row neighborhood in Chicago's South Loop. Completed in 1980, it serves as the tallest residential gateway building of the broader Dearborn Park development.
The building offers roughly 250 condominium units ranging from large studios to three-bedroom layouts, along with full-service amenities including a pool, door staff, a workout room, on-site management, and an enclosed yard with grills.
Building History
Dearborn Park I was completed in 1980 as one of the first residential towers of the Dearborn Park community, a large-scale redevelopment built on former rail-yard land south of the Loop. The site had been used for decades by rail lines feeding nearby Dearborn Station until the lines ceased service and trackage was cleared in the early 1970s.
Construction on Dearborn Park began in 1977 with roughly 1,400 units in its first phase, spearheaded by Commonwealth Edison president Thomas Ayers and laid out under a master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Along with the Donahue Building's 1979 loft conversion and Bertrand Goldberg's River City, Dearborn Park I helped launch the renaissance of Chicago's South Loop.
Architecture & Design
Architectural Significance
Dearborn Park I reflects the late-1970s planning approach that reshaped the South Loop. Notable characteristics include:
- A 27-story high-rise form, the tallest residential building in the original Dearborn Park master plan
- A simple, symmetrical facade with vertical window bands maximizing natural light
- Site planning under the overall Dearborn Park master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Full-service amenities uncommon in the smaller townhomes elsewhere in Dearborn Park, including a pool and workout room
While not part of the 19th-century Printing House Row District, Dearborn Park I anchors the southern gateway to Printer's Row and represents a distinct, later chapter in the neighborhood's residential history.
Dearborn Park & Printer's Row
Dearborn Park was developed beginning in 1977 on former rail-yard land, transforming a long-industrial stretch south of the Loop into one of Chicago's most studied examples of planned urban residential redevelopment.
Today, the surrounding blocks combine:
- Historic Printer's Row landmarks just to the north
- Planned townhomes and residential towers
- Tree-lined walkways and green space
- Downtown Loop employment access
- Public transportation
Dearborn Park I sits at the southern gateway to this district, connecting the historic printing-industry architecture to the north with the planned residential streets of Dearborn Park to the south.
Location Overview & Nearby Landmarks
Location Overview
899 S Plymouth Court sits at the gateway to the Dearborn Park community, at the southern edge of Printer's Row, close to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Historic Printer's Row landmarks
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Chinatown
- Downtown entertainment venues
The building sits just south of The Terraces at Dearborn Park and a short walk from the Pope Building Lofts and other historic Printer's Row landmarks profiled in this guide series.
Nearby Major Landmarks
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State Street
Chicago's central library, offering extensive collections, public programs, and exhibitions.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph Street
Known as "Chicago's front yard," with walking paths, gardens, and Buckingham Fountain.
Dearborn (Henry) Park
947 S Plymouth Ct
The neighborhood park at the heart of the Dearborn Park community, just steps from the building.
Jazz Showcase
806 S Plymouth Ct
One of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs, a short walk north of the building.
Dining & Coffee Near Dearborn Park I
Restaurants
Eleven City Diner1112 S Wabash AveOld-school deli-style diner known for breakfast dishes, pastrami sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Flaco's Tacos710 S Clark StLong-tenured Printer's Row taqueria known for burritos, tacos, and margaritas.
Half Sour755 S Clark StSouth Loop favorite for brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria805 S State StOne of Chicago's most recognized deep-dish pizza spots.
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, a short walk from the building.
Intelligentsia Coffee53 E Randolph StOne of Chicago's most famous specialty roasters.
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.
Shopping Near Dearborn Park I
The Shops at Roosevelt Collection150 W Roosevelt RdSouth Loop retail and entertainment destination with stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
State Street Shopping DistrictChicago LoopMajor retailers, department stores, and classic Chicago shopping.
Parks, Fitness & Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Dearborn (Henry) Park947 S Plymouth CtThe community park at the center of Dearborn Park, steps from the building.
Grant Park337 E Randolph StWalking paths, gardens, open lawns, and Buckingham Fountain.
Lakefront TrailChicago LakefrontAn 18-mile path along Lake Michigan for walking, running, and cycling.
Fitness Centers & Wellness
On-Site Fitness Room899 S Plymouth CtDearborn Park I includes its own workout room and pool as part of the building's amenity package.
East Bank Club500 N Kingsbury StPremier fitness club with equipment, pools, group classes, and sports facilities.
LA Fitness1101 S Canal StWeight training, cardio equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
Entertainment & Cultural Attractions
Museums & Attractions
Art Institute of Chicago111 S Michigan AveOne of the world's leading art museums.
The Field Museum1400 S Lake Shore DrOne of the world's leading natural history museums.
Performing Arts
Jazz Showcase806 S Plymouth CtOne of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs, founded in 1947, a short walk north.
Chicago Symphony Center220 S Michigan AveHome of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Transportation Near Dearborn Park I
CTA Train Stations
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.3 milesRed, Green, and Orange Lines, connecting to downtown, Hyde Park, and Midway Airport.
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.5 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
LaSalle Station (Blue Line)200 S LaSalle St · ~0.7 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail.
Metra, Bus & Bike
LaSalle Street Station414 S LaSalle St · ~0.7 milesServes Metra's Rock Island District Line.
Union Station225 S Canal St · ~0.9 milesMajor Metra and Amtrak hub serving multiple commuter lines.
Bus: CTA routes run along State Street, Clark 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 Dearborn Park I
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.
Schools & Education
South Loop Elementary School1212 S Plymouth CtNeighborhood public elementary school serving South Loop and Dearborn Park 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.
Hotels & Everyday Services
Hotels Near Dearborn Park I
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings.
Hilton Chicago720 S Michigan AveMajor downtown hotel near Grant Park with meeting spaces and restaurants.
Banking & Parking
Chase Bank1200 S Wabash AveChecking, savings, ATMs, and personal banking.
USPS Loop Station211 S Clark StPostal services for residents and businesses.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
Living at Dearborn Park I provides access to a walkable, amenity-rich corner of the South Loop. Residents are close to:
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Dearborn (Henry) Park and tree-lined walkways
- ✓ Downtown Loop offices
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Public transportation
- ✓ Neighborhood schools
The building's full-service amenities — a rarity in the Dearborn Park community's mostly townhome-scale streets — make it one of the more self-contained living options in the area.
A Typical Day Near Dearborn Park I
Morning
A workout in the building's fitness room or a lap in the pool; coffee at Dollop Coffee Co. or Hero Coffee Bar; commuting via the Red or Green Line at Roosevelt, three blocks away.
Afternoon
Downtown offices, the Harold Washington Library Center, lunch at a South Loop restaurant.
Evening
Grilling in the building's enclosed yard, dinner at a Printer's Row restaurant, or live jazz at the Jazz Showcase.
Who Is Dearborn Park I Best Suited For?
Ideal Residents
Buyers Who Want Full-Service Amenities
With a pool, door staff, workout room, and on-site management, Dearborn Park I offers a fuller amenity package than most buildings in this guide series.
Downtown Professionals
A short walk or transit ride to the Loop, with the convenience of building staff and services.
Buyers Who Want Lake and Skyline Views
As a 27-story tower, many units offer views over the South Loop and downtown skyline uncommon in the neighborhood's lower-rise buildings.
Buyers & Considerations
First-Time Buyers
Studio and one-bedroom units offer an accessible entry point into South Loop condo ownership with hotel-style building services.
Downsizers
Full-service amenities and on-site management make the building a practical option for downsizers who want a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
Those Wanting Historic Character
Buyers specifically drawn to 19th-century printing-industry architecture may prefer the historic loft buildings profiled elsewhere in this series, since Dearborn Park I is a 1980 purpose-built high-rise rather than a converted historic loft.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths and gardens at Grant Park; strolls through Dearborn Park's tree-lined streets and Dearborn (Henry) Park.
Summer
Poolside time and grilling in the building's enclosed yard; the Printers Row Lit Fest and Printers Row Art Fest a short walk north; cycling and running along the lakefront.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours through nearby historic Printer's Row; museum visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and The Field Museum.
Winter
Indoor workouts in the building's fitness room; live jazz at the Jazz Showcase; ice skating and holiday events at Millennium Park.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Full-Service Amenities
A pool, door staff, workout room, on-site management, and an enclosed grilling yard set it apart from many buildings in this series.
2. High-Rise Views
As one of the tallest buildings in Dearborn Park, many units offer skyline or lake views.
3. Gateway Location
Sits at the entrance to the Dearborn Park community, with quick access to both historic Printer's Row and the planned townhome streets to the south.
4. Range of Unit Sizes
From large studios to three-bedroom layouts, the building accommodates a wide range of buyers.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Not a Historic Landmark
Unlike most other buildings in this series, Dearborn Park I is not part of the Printing House Row National Register district; it is a purpose-built 1980 high-rise condominium.
Higher HOA for Full-Service Amenities
Buildings with pools, door staff, and on-site management typically carry higher HOA dues than self-managed loft buildings; buyers should review assessments directly.
Distance from the Loop Core
Sitting at the southern gateway to Printer's Row, it's a slightly longer walk to the heart of the Loop than buildings further north in this series.
Dearborn Park I & 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.
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.
Conkey Building519 S Dearborn StAn 1888 book-publishing landmark, historically nicknamed the Old Franklin Building.
Duplicator Building530 S Dearborn StAn 1886 printing landmark, now joined with the Morton Building as Hotel Blake.
Pope Building Lofts633 S Plymouth CtA 1904 printing-house plant, now 91 loft condominium residences.
Printers Row Lofts732 S Financial PlA 1908 printing-plant landmark, now 138 loft condominium residences.
Manhattan Building431 S Dearborn StThe world's oldest surviving skeleton-frame skyscraper, built in 1891, now 105 loft condominium residences.
Monadnock Building53 W Jackson BlvdThe tallest load-bearing masonry building ever built, completed in 1893 as the world's largest office building.
Fisher Building343 S Dearborn StA 1896 neo-Gothic Burnham landmark famed for its terra-cotta fish and animal carvings, now rental apartments.
The Terraces at Dearborn Park801 S Plymouth CtA 1982 Skidmore, Owings & Merrill condominium known for its stepped terraced facade.
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.
Dearborn Park I: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dearborn Park I located?
Dearborn Park I is located at 899 S Plymouth Court, at the gateway to the Dearborn Park community, just south of the Printer's Row neighborhood.
When was Dearborn Park I built?
It was completed in 1980, among the first residential towers of the Dearborn Park development, which began construction in 1977.
Who planned Dearborn Park I?
The overall Dearborn Park community was laid out under a master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, spearheaded by Commonwealth Edison president Thomas Ayers.
Is Dearborn Park I a historic landmark?
No. Unlike most other buildings in this guide series, it is not part of the Printing House Row National Register district; it is a purpose-built 1980 condominium tower.
How many units and stories does the building have?
The building is 27 stories tall with roughly 250 condominium units.
What unit sizes are available?
Units range from large studios to three-bedroom layouts.
What amenities does Dearborn Park I have?
Reported amenities include a pool, door staff, a workout room, on-site management, and an enclosed yard with grills.
What is Dearborn Park?
Dearborn Park is a planned residential community built starting in 1977 on former rail-yard land south of the Loop, bringing housing back to the area after decades of industrial use.
Is Dearborn Park I close to public transportation?
Yes. The Roosevelt Red, Green, and Orange Line station is roughly 0.3 miles away.
What restaurants are near Dearborn Park I?
Eleven City Diner, Flaco's Tacos, Half Sour, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.
Is Dearborn Park I condos or rentals?
Units are individually owned condominiums, though some owners do offer their units for rent.
What park is closest to the building?
Dearborn (Henry) Park, the community park at the center of Dearborn Park, is just steps from the building.
Is Dearborn Park I near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It sits at the southern gateway to Printer's Row, within walking distance of the Loop business district.
What makes Dearborn Park I unique?
As the tallest building in the original Dearborn Park master plan, it offers full-service, hotel-style amenities and skyline views uncommon among the townhome-scale streets that make up most of the surrounding community.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Reported details such as unit count, amenities, and historical dates vary slightly across sources and have not been independently verified by us. Distances are approximate. No verified freely-licensed photo of this specific building was available at time of publication; the gallery above uses placeholder image paths with descriptive alt text, ready to be replaced with real photos once uploaded. Verify availability, HOA rules, and current offerings directly with the building's association before making decisions.
