Neely Building

Neely Building Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Chicago Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Neely Building’s Place in Chicago’s History

Situated at 871 N. Franklin Street in Chicago’s Near North Side, the Neely Building is a compelling emblem of the city’s industrial past and architectural resilience. Constructed in 1922 by the renowned firm Fugard & Knapp, it originally housed the Neely Printing Company, a key player in the city’s vibrant print industry during the early 20th century. Built in the functional, ornamentally restrained Chicago School style, the structure features robust masonry, steel framing, and subtle decorative elements. Subsequent expansions in 1936, 1941, and 1946 mirrored Chicago’s industrial growth and urban transformation.

In the mid-20th century, the Moody Bible Institute acquired and repurposed the building for institutional use. In 2019, JDL Development purchased the property as part of the North Union megadevelopment. Adaptive reuse renovations commenced in 2024, aiming to transform the historic building into a mixed-use hub of residential and retail spaces, all while preserving its iconic façade.

Set amidst renowned landmarks like Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk, the Neely Building contributes to Chicago’s celebrated cityscape and often features in citywide events such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Though public interior access is currently unavailable due to ongoing redevelopment, the building’s exterior remains a draw for architectural enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs. With improved accessibility and integration into the evolving North Union neighborhood, the Neely Building exemplifies Chicago’s approach to blending preservation with urban vitality.

For visitors, the building’s exterior is accessible any time, with nearby transit via the ‘L’ Brown and Purple Lines. While dedicated tours are not yet offered, the Neely Building is often included in architectural walking tours of the Near North Side. As redevelopment progresses, retail openings and community events are expected to further enhance the visitor experience.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Neely Building’s history, architecture, redevelopment, practical visiting information, nearby attractions, and travel tips. For ongoing updates, visitors can consult official resources and download the Audiala mobile app for tailored Chicago tours and event notifications. (source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4)

Discover the Neely Building: Chicago Historical Site Overview
Origins & Architectural Highlights
Modern Redevelopment
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours & Admission
Accessibility
Guided Tours & Events
Photographic Spots
Nearby Attractions & Neighborhood Guide
Neely Building: Architectural & Cultural Significance
Preservation & Urban Development
FAQs & Travel Tips
How to Stay Updated

Discover the Neely Building: A Chicago Landmark

Origins & Architectural Highlights

The Neely Building was completed in 1922 for the Neely Printing Company, exemplifying the Chicago School’s commercial style with its sturdy brickwork, steel frame, and restrained detailing. Expansions in 1936, 1941, and 1946 reflected the city’s industrial momentum, adapting the building to meet evolving commercial needs.

Modern Redevelopment

Transitioning from its industrial roots, the building was later acquired by the Moody Bible Institute and ultimately by JDL Development. Beginning in 2024, a major adaptive reuse project set out to convert the Neely Building into a 44-unit residential property with retail spaces at street level—preserving its historic character while introducing contemporary amenities.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours & Admission

Exterior Viewing: The Neely Building’s exterior can be viewed from public sidewalks at any time.
Interior Access: No public interior tours are available during redevelopment.
Retail Spaces: Once open, retail areas will generally observe business hours (approx. 10 AM – 8 PM), but exact times may vary by tenant.
Admission: There is no fee to view the exterior or enter public retail areas.

Accessibility

Current renovations include accessible entrances and pathways for all visitors.
The surrounding neighborhood and transit options (Chicago ‘L’ Brown and Purple Lines, local buses) are fully accessible.

Guided Tours & Events

While the Neely Building does not offer its own tours, it is often featured on neighborhood architectural walking tours.
Special events, open houses, and community activities are expected as the North Union development progresses; check local listings for updates.

Photographic Spots

The intersection of N. Franklin and W. Locust Streets offers excellent vantage points for capturing the building’s historic façade amid Chicago’s urban landscape.

Neighborhood Guide: Exploring the Near North Side

The Neely Building’s prime location offers easy access to Chicago’s top cultural, shopping, and dining experiences:

The Magnificent Mile: Famed shopping and dining avenue nearby.
Chicago Riverwalk: Scenic paths and riverfront attractions.
Moody Bible Institute Campus: Neighboring historic institution.
Art Institute of Chicago & Millennium Park: Iconic city landmarks within easy reach.

Public transit via the ‘L’ and several bus routes make reaching the area convenient for visitors.

Neely Building: Architectural & Cultural Significance

Historical Context

The Neely Building stands among Chicago’s architectural treasures, reflecting pivotal moments in the city’s industrial and urban development (Chicago Cultural Plan 2012). Surrounded by celebrated landmarks, it contributes to Chicago’s identity as a city of innovation and design (Choose Chicago).

Design Features

Structural Innovation: Early steel-frame construction and functional layouts.
Façade: Brick masonry with subtle ornamentation and large industrial windows.
Redevelopment: Contemporary additions use vertical-ribbed metal panels and aluminum windows, blending historic and modern aesthetics (source 3).

Cultural Role

The Neely Building has hosted community events and is part of broader citywide architectural initiatives, such as the Chicago Architecture Biennial (ArchDaily).
Its ongoing redevelopment integrates the site into Chicago’s cultural and social fabric through new retail, residential, and public spaces.

Preservation & Urban Development

Facadism & Adaptive Reuse

The Neely Building demonstrates the preservation strategy known as “facadism,” where the historic façade is maintained while new structures are built behind it. This approach, increasingly common in Chicago, balances the need to preserve historic streetscapes with modern development (Bleed Cubbie Blue).

Policy & Community Advocacy

While the Neely Building was not individually landmarked—limiting available preservation incentives—its story highlights ongoing tensions and collaborations between developers, city planners, and preservationists. Organizations like Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois continue to advocate for the protection and appreciation of sites like the Neely Building (Chicago Historic Preservation, ArchDaily).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I tour the Neely Building’s interior?
A: No, interior access is not available during redevelopment. The exterior can be viewed from public sidewalks.

Q: Are there tickets or fees to visit?
A: No tickets are needed for exterior viewing. Retail spaces, when open, will be free to enter.

Q: Is the building accessible?
A: Yes, the redevelopment includes accessible entrances and pathways.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: While no dedicated Neely Building tours exist, local architecture walking tours often include the site.

Q: What are other nearby attractions?
A: Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile.

Q: What is facadism?
A: Facadism involves preserving only the exterior façade of a historic building while constructing new interiors.

Travel Tips

Use public transit for convenient access.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a full day of cultural exploration.
Check local event calendars or the Audiala app for updates on retail openings and community events.
For the best photos, visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

How to Stay Updated

For current information on visiting hours, redevelopment progress, and local events:

Download the Audiala app for personalized tours and notifications.
Visit official city and tourism websites.
Follow neighborhood and preservation organizations on social media.

Summary: Why Visit the Neely Building?

The Neely Building is more than a historic structure—it is a living narrative of Chicago’s industrial roots, urban evolution, and architectural ingenuity. Though interior access is currently restricted, its preserved façade and evolving role in the North Union neighborhood make it a vital piece of the city’s heritage and a must-see point of interest for anyone exploring Chicago’s storied landscape.