"The Grid," a Chicago Sun-Times series that offers an in-depth look at the city's neighborhoods, explored Printers Row, an area which, after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, "became the Midwest hub of the printing industry with historically significant buildings designed by legendary architects."
Among the stops was Sandmeyer's Bookstore, "a favorite of locals and visitors alike" since 1982.... It's a mom-and-pop shop with simple merchandising and minimalist black metal shelving where the books are carefully arranged for display. The ceilings are high, there's a lot of natural light from the windows of the historic Rowe building and the floors creak as you walk around," the Sun-Times wrote. Co-owners Ellen and Ulrich Sandmeyer were early settlers into the neighborhood during its turnaround phase from abandoned, neglected buildings to a residential enclave."
"Only a couple of buildings had been converted to loft buildings," Ellen Sandmeyer said. "It was pretty empty around here when we opened, but the neighborhood's been so supportive, and we've continued to grow over the years."
She added that the bookstore is "an opportunity to come and find something [customers] didn't know they were looking for, and actually hold it in their hands, look at it and smell it. It's all right to write in them, and it's great after you've read it to share it with someone."