The Atlantic Bank Building, formerly known as the National Bank of Greece Building, has been successfully converted to boutique hotel called Hotel Julian. Named for the patron saint of travelers, the 218-room Hotel Julian underwent a comprehensive $75 million-plus renovation which included a five-story glassy addition.

Despite its location at 168 N. Michigan Avenue and design by notable Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall in 1912, the Atlantic Bank Building was never designated a Chicago Landmark, likely due to the severely deteriorated condition of the building’s creamy-white terra cotta façade. In fact, the development team had to replace over a third of the terra cotta during construction. The project architect’s desire for a seamless and accurate terra cotta restoration included a search of the Benjamin Marshall archives at the University of Texas for original design drawings.

Preservation Chicago applauds Oxford Capital Group CEO John Rutledge, London-based Quandrum Global and project architects Hirsch/MPG for their commitment for pursing excellence and insuring a top-tier restoration to an important Chicago building, by an important Chicago architect, on one Chicago’s most important streets. They represent a new generation of developers who recognize the inherent ability of Chicago’s historic buildings to drive greater value and are leading by example. The intrinsic value of historic buildings for adaptive reuse has been proven by the success of the London House Hotel in the London Guarantee Building, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in the Chicago Athletic Association Building, Chicago Motor Club Hampton Inn, St. Jane Hotel in the Carbide and Carbon Building, The Alise Chicago in the Reliance Building, the Ace Hotel, and the Kimpton Hotel Gray in the New York Life Building.