154 W. Superior Street in River North holds a prominent position for various
compelling reasons. Nestled amidst two towering buildings, this charming twostory Italianate row home stands as a captivating testament to Chicago’s architectural heritage.

It has also come to symbolize the evolving cityscape within downtown Chicago. As developers increasingly acquire older properties in River North to make way for taller and more profitable structures, the survival of such vintage buildings
becomes increasingly rare. Preservationists understandably express concern over the potential demolition of the historic Superior Street residence amid the ongoing wave of demolitions during this latest development cycle.

The endurance of this home is no mere coincidence. Often likened to the renowned Edith Macefield House in Seattle, which inspired Pixar’s Up, this unassuming structure stands as a testament to resilience between two modern luxury condo towers. Its former owner, Gregory Cooper, adamantly refused all offers from developers and even entertained friends while witnessing the construction of the new buildings around him. After Mr. Cooper’s passing in December 2015, the property was eventually marketed and sold as vacant land.
It initially carried a price tag of $1.279 million last April, but ultimately changed hands for $900,000 in August.

Despite appearing as an obvious candidate for demolition and redevelopment, Alderman Brian Hopkins’ (2nd) office assures us that there are no such plans. Last summer, Alderman Hopkins introduced a downzoning measure.