June 2026 Doorperson of the Month: Guadalupe Mota, 161 E. Chicago Ave.

For 32 years, Guadalupe "Lupe" Mota has been a familiar face at Olympia Centre, greeting residents, visitors, and delivery drivers with a smile as he opens the door to one of Streeterville's most recognizable residential towers. 

At 71, Mota has no plans to retire. 

Lupe says, "I love helping all people. Many of our residents are seniors, and I especially like helping them with their suitcases, groceries, and wheelchairs." 

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Residents and staff alike know him as a dependable and welcoming presence. Lupe says he hasn’t called in sick “for either 26 or 27 years.”

Olympia Centre, a fixture in Streeterville since 1985, is located above Neiman Marcus’ Michigan Avenue store and across from the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the weekly SOAR Farmer’s Market buzzes in full swing. 

The 63-story mixed-use tower overlooks a neighborhood that has changed dramatically over the decades, but Lupe remains a constant. He joined the building staff in 1992 after a resident told him about an opening for a doorperson position. 

At the time, Lupe was working at an aluminum foundry. "It was back-breaking work," he recalls. 

Lupe, who was born in Mexico City, came to the United States in 1955 “in search of a better life.” While he still has family in Mexico, and plans to attend a family wedding there this summer, Chicago has long been home. 

Lupe says, “I even like all of Chicago’s weather.”

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He has three sons and two grandchildren as of now, with another on the way. Although his family encourages him to retire, he says they understand that he is not ready to retire from the job he loves. 

Part of Lupe’s motivation is staying active. He’s a sports enthusiast—he follows soccer and basketball, and still enjoys playing basketball himself. 

"Walking to and from work is keeping me young," Lupe said. Asked about the secret to his longevity and success, Lupe offered a simple answer: "To be my best every single day." 

After more than three decades at Olympia Centre, residents clearly agree that Lupe is the best. 

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email [email protected] with their name and why they should be Doorperson of the Month. Winners receive a $25 Mariano’s gift card.