September Doorperson of the Month Bruce Branch, 600 N. McClurg Ct.

It’s been a fantastic summer for Bruce Branch. Not only did Bruce get married, but he’s also the doorperson of the month at 600 N. McClurg Court.

“It’s been an awesome summer on many fronts, and being chosen as doorperson of the month by the residents of 600 N. McClurg Ct. is a unique honor.” Bruce’s proposal to wife, Shirley, happened in Hawaii. The wedding took place in July, followed by a honeymoon in Puerto Rico.

 “My favorite part of the job is interacting with my residents.” Bruce goes on to mention celebrity tenants, “Mr. T, Burt Reynolds and Scottie Pippen have all stayed here. Mr. T and I are the same height, but man, he’s a broad guy!”

Bruce has been at “600 N. McClurg” as both residents and management call it, for 10 years. Before that, Bruce worked for Northwestern Hospital in the home healthcare industry. He has a history rich in looking after people.

In 1971, 600 N. McClurg was built in the Streeterville neighborhood. There are two towers, each with separate entrances, one on McClurg Ct. and the other on Ontario St. “We have Tower A and Tower B, all apartment rentals. Both towers are equally busy with monitoring all who enter, handling food deliveries, and visitors in general.”

Bruce is thankful that the package room is its own separate operation, “It would just be too busy, and our main job is to monitor all people entering and exiting the building and keep residents safe.” The revolving door has not stopped in this bustling lobby.

The residents are a mix of newbies and tenants he’s known for a decade. “They know they can count on me. An example, new residents worry about move-in day and reserving the freight elevator -- I work with them and make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Bruce is a “born and bred Chicagoan.” Maybe this accounts for the size of Bruce and Shirley’s wedding and reception. “It was supposed to be about 60 people, but we ended up with 210,” he adds with a smile. Proudly, he pulls out a gorgeous wedding photo. 

Bruce and Shirley enjoy “steppin’” dance and have date nights every Friday. They have nine grandkids between the pair of them, making for “fun get-togethers.”  Bruce has two daughters living in the Chicagoland area, Natasha and Destiny.

Bruce hasn’t missed a beat in terms of greeting every person to enter the lobby, and every person has greeted Bruce with a smile.

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.