February Doorperson of the Month Leroy Bronson, Lake Shore Plaza, 445 E. Ohio St.

Leroy Bronson has been a doorperson at Lake Shore Plaza since 1986, and has witnessed the evolution of the building, neighborhood, and Chicago itself, thanks to his longevity at one property.

"That was a pile of sand when I started because the building was still under construction," Leroy states, as he points across the lobby. "There are residents I've known all the way back to 1986, and now I know their kids and grandchildren."

Lake Shore Plaza is an apartment building consisting of studios and one and two-bedroom apartments. It's the oldest building on the block, steps from Ohio Street Beach. Navy Pier is also close to this building, which has undergone significant overhauls.

"Levels two through four used to be doctors' offices, recording studios, and marketing offices. There were many undeveloped lots surrounding us, and both the Kraft building and the U.S. Post Office were neighbors at the time. Ohio used to be a two-way street."

He talks about an onsite restaurant in the 1980s called Flamingo and Lake Shore Plaza’s onsite grocery store called Sunrise Foods. The restaurant and grocery store are both a thing of the past, but the food deliveries in this bustling lobby are too numerous to count, Leroy says.

Leroy's in charge of it all as head doorperson, and his eyes are constantly scanning the lobby and the street. "Safety is the main focus, but I wear just about every hat imaginable as head doorperson." He mentions the privilege of working alongside his friend, Derrick, since the outset of his career at Lake Shore Plaza.

Leroy was born in Long Island, but he's lived in Chicagoland since he was eight years old. Interestingly, Leroy went to school for the arts and is a musician capable of playing many instruments. "I've worked on projects with Disney/Pixar, Jazz Fest at Grant Park, Fox 32 Jam at the Taste of Chicago, and I even worked with the great Aretha Franklin in conjunction with Pink Cadillac. I've worked with some "chrome" people."

An issue at the time was the blast of polar weather in Chicago. Now, folks are just excited about the remodeling of the 4th-floor amenities. "The 4th floor used to be commercial, now it includes a gym, kids' area, business center, sauna, and a heated pool. And speaking of heat, I'd like to travel somewhere warm this winter."

"My strength is that I'm a people person. And this building is just one big family." Leroy's family is scattered throughout the country, making the Lake Shore Plaza family all the more special to him – and the residents adore him.

To nominate your favorite doorperson, Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.