Printers Row, Chicago, is a bookworm’s dream for residents and visitors alike. It’s a popular Windy City neighborhood with a rich literary history and local traditions paying homage to their legacy to this day.
From annual literature festivals attracting thousands of people globally to vintage architecture from the 19th-century publishing industry, learn more about this cultural gem in Chicago.
Printers Row, Chicago: Your Guide to This Historic Neighborhood
Printers Row is a Chicago neighborhood located in the Loop, nestled between the Buckingham Fountain and the Southbank Riverwalk. You can enjoy the suburban-like feel of tree-lined streets and waterfront views or the vibrant downtown life within minutes of the many Chicago public transit options.
A Brief History of Printers Row, Chicago
Printers Row has a deep history in the printing and publishing industry, as its name suggests. During the late 19th century, it was the largest hub in the Midwest for printing presses, bookbinding, and literary publishing companies. These businesses were located in the Printing House Row District, which overlaps with Printers Row and is a national historic landmark.
Printers Row, Chicago: Neighborhood Highlights & Top Attractions
Although Printers Row was once a leader in the publishing world, it still preserves its unique history with its architecture and attractions. You’ll find adaptive reuse of 1880s printing buildings in condos, lofts, and even college campuses. Its local destinations and events also keep its literary history alive.
Printers Row Lit Fest
Printers Row Literary Festival is the most popular event in this community and one of the largest book fairs in the Midwest. A local annual tradition since 1985, it attracts hundreds of thousands from all over to attend—and it’s free! The two-day outdoor festival features 200+ author panel discussions, newly published books, and over 100 booksellers.
Printers Row Lit Fest takes place at Printers Row Park at 632 S Dearborn St. The closest public transit options are the LaSalle St subway station via the Blue Line, which is a five-minute walk, or the Clark & Harrison bus stop via Bus 24, which is a four-minute walk away.
Historic Literary Architecture
While Printers Row may not look exactly as it did during its prime, its buildings still do. You can find plenty of historic architecture that takes you back in time within walking distance.
Mergenthaler Linotype Building
The Mergenthaler Linotype Company building is a six-story loft where the linotype was invented, revolutionizing the printing industry in the 1880s. Now repurposed into condos in the upper levels, its structural integrity remains preserved. Its large arched steel windows and Romanesque Revival masonry walls showcase its historic architectural features.
Located on 531 S. Plymouth, you can hop off the LaSalle St subway station via the Blue Line, less than a five-minute walk. You can also travel from the Clark & Harrison bus stop via Bus 24, a three-minute walk away.
Dearborn Street Station
Located on the southern side of Printers Row is Dearborn Station. Although it’s a newer neighborhood, it’s also a historic landmark as one of the oldest and largest metropolitan railroad stations in the U.S.
Dearborn Street Station was built in 1885, originally featuring a 12-story clock tower, telegraph offices, basement barber shops, waiting rooms with fireplaces, and an attached cafe. It was a main hub for immigrants in the Midwest, paving the way for Printers Row history.
While it’s not an active train station anymore, you can still enjoy its stunning Romanesque Revival structure with pink granite, red pressed brick, and massive arched windows, which were transformed into residential lofts and local business spaces. The Printers Row book festival also pays homage to it by filling the sidewalks with many bookseller vendors.
Located at 47 W Pok St Ste M11, you can visit Dearborn Street Station by traveling from the LaSalle St subway station via the Blue Line (a two-minute walk) or the Clark & Polk bus stop via Bus 32 (a four-minute walk).
South Loop Farmers Market at Printers Row
One of the neighborhood favorites is the Printers Row farmers market. Known as the South Loop Farmers Market at Printers Row, it’s a free seasonal event on Saturdays from May to October.
Taking place at Printers Row Park, you’ll find dozens of delicious vendors and amazing artisans from local farms and small businesses. From handcrafted wellness products to fresh produce/meat, and quality specialty spices, it’s a community staple for a reason.
Popular Printers Row Restaurants & Places to Eat
Whether you’re looking for restaurants in Printers Row or a quick bite, there are plenty of local places to eat that are worth trying:
Half Sour
Half Sour is a corner bar and restaurant featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch at the historic Blackie’s Building. Popular menu options include steak frites with garlic aioli or chimichurri options and scallion latkes.
The LaSalle St subway station is a five-minute walk via the Red Line. The Clark & Polk bus stop takes you right to the entrance via Bus 24.
Roots Handmade Pizza
Roots Pizza is no standard pizzeria. They specialize in Quad Cities-style pizza with hand-tossed malt crusts. Enjoy delicious cheesiness and draft beers on their rooftop with scenic views of the Printers Row historic buildings.
The Dearborn St & Polk St bus stop takes you to the entrance via Buses 22 and 62. The Harrison Metra station is a five-minute walk via the Red Line.
Amarit Thai and Sushi
Amarit Thai and Sushi is not only a Thai restaurant, but it also offers Asian fusion cuisine from Japan, China and Szechuan-style foods. Their mango sticky rice, Thai iced coffee/teas, and noodle dishes are packed with explosive flavors, including less spicy options.
You can easily travel here from the Clark & Harrison bus stop, a three-minute walk away via Bus 22. The LaSalle St train station is a six-minute walk via the Red Line.
Discover Printers Row Apartments: Your New Home Sweet Home Awaits
Considering moving to the charming Printers Row? Let us help you make this exciting journey seamless.
At TLC Management, we own over 36 properties each with unique amenities within and around Chicago. We have the local expertise to find you the perfect place to live. And, we’re not just the building owners. We also manage all our properties to demonstrate our dedication to providing our tenants with the best renting experience—as it should be.
Our The Regal Lofts in Printers Row is in a national historic midrise building that was recently renovated. You’ll find a unique selection of large open and airy loft designs with up to 18ft exposed timber ceilings, cityscape views, oversized windows, and more.
Ready to find your new home sweet home?
Browse our Chicago apartment listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to answer your moving questions today!
