“Demolition of a 1920s-era industrial-style office building is underway at 900 South Clinton Street in the South Loop. It was most recently the home of Susanin’s Auctioneers & Appraisers, whose signage is still in the glass-block windows along the east-facing façade. An internet search for the architect has proven fruitless, though indications are that the building was heavily renovated between 1998 and 2000.
“A demolition permit was issued for the structure on February 3, and it specifies that the footings, foundations, and concrete slab are all to be removed. American Demolition Corporation is the demo contractor, with the permit showing a reported cost of a whopping $453,500.
“ComEd operates two distribution substations on nearby properties; one immediately north and one a block away on the west side of South Jefferson Street. They got a demolition permit in December to tear down another property they bought, the former Graf Air Fright building right around the corner at 550 West Taylor Street. Next to that lot, on the corner of Taylor and Jefferson, a new-construction Raising Cane’s restaurant was just opened. The rest of the block belongs to ComEd; not sure how the Cane’s property got away from them. The Graf Air building has since been razed.
“There have been no details released about ComEd’s plan for 900 Clinton and its neighboring lot along Taylor once demolition is complete. It could be a case of wanting the land vacant for future development. (Schell, Chicago YIMBY, 2/9/26)