Franklin Building Chicago | Complete Guide to 720 S Dearborn St
720 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Franklin Building | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 720 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printer's Row Historic District |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Building | Original Use | Printing and commercial building |
| Built | 1916 | Current Use | Residential loft-style building |
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About & History
About Franklin Building Chicago
Located at 720 S Dearborn Street, the Franklin Building is one of the historically significant structures in Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood. It represents Chicago's transformation from a major printing and publishing center into one of the city's most vibrant residential districts.
Today, the Franklin Building is recognized for its historic architecture, downtown location, and connection to one of Chicago's most distinctive neighborhoods. It sits within the Printer's Row Historic District, an area known for early 20th-century printing houses, warehouses, and loft buildings preserved and adapted for modern urban living.
Franklin Building History
The Franklin Building was completed in 1916, originally designed as a commercial printing facility. It was commissioned for the Franklin Printing Company, reflecting the importance of the printing industry in Chicago during the early 1900s.
During this period, Printer's Row was the heart of Chicago's publishing industry, home to dozens of printing companies, publishers, bookbinders, and related businesses. As printing technology changed and publishers moved away from downtown facilities, the Franklin Building was adapted into residential lofts, preserving its historic character for a new generation of Chicago residents.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
The Franklin Building reflects the architectural style of Chicago's early 20th-century commercial buildings. Notable characteristics include:
- Historic masonry construction
- Large industrial-style windows
- Loft-style interior possibilities
- Decorative architectural details
- Connection to Chicago's printing-era architecture
One of its most recognized features is decorative terra-cotta artwork associated with Chicago's historic architectural tradition — a design period when architects combined practical commercial purpose with artistic detail.
Printer's Row Historic District
The Franklin 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
720 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 directly in the Printer's Row area 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 Franklin Building
CTA Train Stations
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.
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 · ~0.7 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 Franklin 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 Franklin Building area.
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 Franklin 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.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
Living near Franklin 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 Franklin Building
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a walk through Printer's Row; a workout at a nearby fitness center or run along the Lakefront Trail; commuting via CTA or Metra.
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 Franklin 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 reduces commuting time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will enjoy the character of Printer's Row, including its Chicago School architecture and preserved landmarks.
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, and easy access to business districts.
2. Historic Neighborhood Character
Printer's Row offers historic architecture, a unique streetscape, and an established community feel.
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 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.
Franklin Building & Nearby Areas Map
Nearby Printer's Row Buildings
Explore More Printer's Row Guides
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.
Franklin Building Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Franklin Building located?
Franklin Building is located at 720 S Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, in the Printer's Row and South Loop area.
What neighborhood is Franklin Building in?
The Franklin Building is located near Chicago's South Loop and Printer's Row neighborhoods.
What is near Franklin Building Chicago?
Nearby attractions include Grant Park, Millennium Park, Harold Washington Library Center, Art Institute of Chicago, and Museum Campus.
What restaurants are near Franklin Building?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flo & Santos, and The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.
What coffee shops are near Franklin Building?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
Is Franklin Building close to public transportation?
Yes. Nearby CTA stations include Harrison Station, Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren Station, and Roosevelt Station.
Is Franklin Building close to Grant Park?
Yes. Grant Park is located a short distance east of the Franklin Building.
What grocery stores are near Franklin Building?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
What attractions are close to Franklin Building?
Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium.
Is South Loop a walkable neighborhood?
Yes. South Loop is one of Chicago's more walkable neighborhoods given its access to restaurants, transportation, parks, and downtown destinations.
What universities are near Franklin Building?
Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University Loop Campus.
What parks are near Franklin Building?
Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, and Printer's Row Park.
What hospitals are near Franklin Building?
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Illinois Hospital.
Is Franklin Building near downtown Chicago?
Yes. Franklin Building is located near Chicago's Loop business district.
What makes South Loop unique?
South Loop combines historic buildings, cultural attractions, transportation access, and downtown convenience.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference. Distances are approximate. Verify hours and current offerings directly with each business before visiting.
