Belmont–Sheffield Trust and Savings Bank Building facts for kids
Belmont–Sheffield Trust and Savings Bank Building
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Location | 1001 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, Illinois |
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Built | 1928 |
Architect | John A. Nyden |
Architectural style | Art Deco |
NRHP reference No. | 84000931 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | March 1, 1984 |
The Belmont–Sheffield Trust and Savings Bank Building is a cool six-story building in Chicago, Illinois. It was built way back in 1928. A famous architect named John Nyden designed it. This building is so special that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site!
The building has a unique U-shape. It was built around a two-story open space called an atrium. This atrium let lots of sunlight into the bank lobby. Today, the glass roof of the atrium has been covered over.
Building's Early Life
When the building first opened, it was home to the Belmont–Sheffield Trust and Savings Bank. The bank used the first floor and part of the second. Other parts of the second and third floors were used for offices.
The top floors, from the fourth to the sixth, were a hotel called the Montfield Hotel.
Changes Over Time
Sadly, the bank ran into money problems and closed in 1932. This happened during a tough time called the Great Depression, when many businesses struggled. The bank part of the building stayed empty for a while.
During World War II, a local group that helped with rationing used the space. Rationing meant people could only buy a limited amount of certain goods. Later, in the 1950s, a community group called the Lake View Citizens' Council also used the building.
The building had a hard time finding new tenants for many years. But in 1984, a developer got special funding to change the Montfield Hotel into 54 apartments. Shops stayed on the ground floor.
In 2005, the building was sold again. The upper floors were turned into loft condos. These are apartments with high ceilings and open spaces.
A Chicago Landmark
In 2008, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks decided the building was very important. They officially named it a landmark. This means it's a special building that needs to be protected because of its history and design. It was one of 16 neighborhood bank buildings given this honor.