“What was once the most architecturally magnificent chain drugstore in Chicago will soon be the city’s most magnificent chain bookstore.
“On Wednesday,, Barnes & Noble will launch its Wicker Park store in the historic Noel State Bank building with a grand opening at 10 a.m. The space was previously occupied by Walgreens, which closed in January 2023.
“The 1919 neoclassical building is considered an architectural gem and features a stained-glass window in its intricate ceiling. Entering through its gilt revolving doors creates a transportive feel, fitting for the power of books.
“‘We open what is now one of the most beautiful bookstores anywhere in the world,’ said James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, in a news release. ‘Its architects in 1919 described it as the dernier cri in bank architecture, and indeed, only bankers could have thought to build something so ornate. A little over a century later, we booksellers are thrilled to be the beneficiaries.’
“The building at 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave., sits at the heart of the Milwaukee Avenue District, a landmark area recognized as a prominent commercial center since the late 19th century.
“James Pioth, Barnes & Noble store manager in Wicker Park, said customers and employees are excited about opening in the beautiful and historic building. ‘People said, ‘This is the perfect place for a bookstore,’’ he added. ‘It’s an honor to get to run the store.’
“The Wicker Park building’s distinctive wedge shape and columns required unusually shaped shelves to fit around odd angles and in nooks. The famed bank vault in the basement will remain empty and will not be open to the public. Walgreens previously housed its vitamin shelves in the vault, which has a massive door with locking gears and rows of original lockboxes.
“Across the U.S., Barnes & Noble is seeing ‘tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful,’ the retailer said in a news release.
“The Wicker Park store will also cater to local tastes that will likely favor literary fiction and history, like the bookseller’s Lincoln Park location, Pioth said. But store offerings continually change and adapt to customer preferences, he added.” (Yee, Chicago Sun-Times, 10/28/24)
Preservation Chicago played an important leadership role in the creation of the Milwaukee Avenue Chicago Landmark District, which includes the Noel State Bank. We are thrilled that Barnes & Noble recognized the incredible potential to reuse the beautiful Noel State Bank as a vibrant destination book store.
“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,’ (Milwaukee Avenue District Chicago Landmark Designation Report)
Read the full story at the Chicago Sun-Times
- Barnes & Noble’s long-awaited Wicker Park store will open Wednesday; The Wicker Park store at the historic Noel State Bank building will be the last of four locations to open in the Chicago area this year, Amy Yee, Chicago Sun-Times, 10/28/24
- Wicker Park Barnes & Noble Opening Next Week At Noel State Bank Building; The grand opening is Wednesday morning with author Jeneva Rose. The site was home to a Walgreens that closed in early 2023, Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago, 10/24/24
- Milwaukee Avenue District Chicago Landmark Designation Report, May 3, 2007