Wicker Park Walgreens / Noel State Bank, 1919, Gardner C. Coughlen, 1601 N Milwaukee Avenue. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 2008. Photo credit: Walgreens / Padgett and Company
“A Walgreens official surprised Wicker Park neighbors this week by saying a flagship location inside a renovated bank in the heart of the neighborhood is closing — but company representatives are now saying that’s up in the air.
“A Walgreens spokesperson said no decision has been made to close its centerpiece store in the former Noel State Bank, 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. Company representatives told neighbors it was closing at a community meeting Wednesday.
“Walgreens took over the former bank a decade ago, undertaking extensive renovations as it transformed it into a pharmacy and drugstore.
The branch became known for its ornate interior and repurposed bank features, including the “Vitamin Vault,” which stores rows of vitamins in the former vault in the building’s basement.
“Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) said Walgreens reached out to him Thursday and confirmed no decision has been made.
“The Noel State Bank building was constructed in 1919 and was home to various banks throughout the 20th century, according to a 2007 report from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
“‘Designed by Gardner C. Coughlen in a dignified Classical Revival-style, the design of the bank expresses an image of permanence and security. The exterior is clad entirely in ornamental terra cotta. Large windows are divided by engaged pilasters topped with Corinthian capitals, and a prominent cornice wraps around the rounded corners of the building,’ the report reads.
“Walgreens opened the store in 2012 after two years of building restorations.
Wicker Park Walgreens / Noel State Bank, 1919, Gardner C. Coughlen, 1601 N Milwaukee Avenue. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 2008. Photo credit: Walgreens / Padgett and Company
“The drugstore location has become a fixture on TikTok and in other media for its unique features, with some calling it a ‘hidden gem,’ even though it’s located in the middle of Wicker Park.” (Myers, Block Club Chicago, 10/7/22)
Wicker Park Walgreens / Noel State Bank, 1919, Gardner C. Coughlen, 1601 N Milwaukee Avenue. Designated a Chicago Landmark in 2008. Photo credit: Walgreens / Padgett and Company
