Doorperson of the Month: Ismael Salcedo, The Aston Chicago, 200 E. Illinois St.

Ismael Salcedo has been with The Aston Chicago for 11 years. The residents at The Ashton call him “Ish.”  He knows every resident that passes through the lobby by their first name.   

Ish is the doorperson team lead. “I end up being the jack of all trades here at the front desk, and particularly enjoy being involved in training new team members.”

Ish pauses to check numerous safety camera feeds. When people visit, he calls the resident to verify, and walks them personally to the elevators, which operate only via key fob as a safety measure. 

The lobby of The Aston bustles with package deliveries. He laughed while saying, “We have a separate entrance for packages, which sometimes causes confusion for all parties involved.”

Ish, who was raised in Chicago, describes himself as a “people person” and loves talking to folks. People stop by Ish’s desk to show him candy they just bought at the local Walgreens. 

Ish lives in the Berwyn/Cicero area. “I’m from Mexico originally, Guadalajara, but moved here to Chicago with my parents and siblings when I was a one-year-old, so I consider myself a Chicagoan now.”  

The Aston underwent a major remodeling project in 2018, which resulted in a beautiful boutique vibe lobby, completed in midyear 2019. Residents include young people, students, and families. Ish says tenants particularly enjoy the infinity-edge pool, hydrotherapy spa, yoga rooms, and health club.

“This is a quiet, cool little area. It’s close to everything, yet many people don’t get past this cul-de-sac unless they are going to the NBC Tower or Chicago Booth. When the riots occurred in June of 2020 just a half-block away from us on Michigan Avenue, they never made it to our area.”

“In my free time I enjoy video games like Dungeons and Dragons and Frisbee Golf.”  Ish also adores his dog, a Bichon Frise named Goku.  

Ish is headed to Japan with his brother this spring for the “Star Wars” celebration. “I’m so excited. I’ve never been and hear that it’s beautiful.” The residents will miss Ish’s smiling, warm persona during his absence. 

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.