Downey Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downey Building - Palms Grill Cafe
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Front of the building
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 110-112 Southwest Arch St., Atlanta, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1867 |
| Architect | Downey, Alexander |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000069 |
| Added to NRHP | February 25, 2004 |
The Downey Building is a historic and interesting building located in Atlanta, Illinois. It was built in 1867 by a local businessman named Alexander Downey. This building has a special look called Italianate, which was a popular style back then. It has two separate storefronts, which have been home to different businesses over many years.
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Discovering the Downey Building's Past
The Downey Building has a rich history, serving the community of Atlanta, Illinois, in many ways. From banks to law offices and even a famous cafe, this building has seen a lot!
Early Days: Banks and Law Offices
When the Downey Building first opened, the south side became home to the Exchange National Bank of Atlanta. This was a very important place because it was the only bank in town at the time! It had just started the year before, after the previous bank closed.
Over the years, the bank changed its name a few times. It became the First National Bank of Atlanta and later the Atlanta National Bank. In 1916, the bank moved to a new location. After the bank left, a lawyer named John Luther Bevan took over the space for his law office. His son, Samuel Bevan, continued to use the office for his law practice until he passed away in 1960. Today, this part of the building is an extra space for the Atlanta Museum.
The Famous Palms Grill Café
The north side of the Downey Building had different businesses over the years. But in 1934, something really special opened there: the Palms Grill Café! This grill quickly became a popular spot for everyone in the community. It was also a very important stop for people traveling on U.S. Route 66.
More Than Just a Restaurant
The Palms Grill Café was more than just a place to eat. It was a community hub! People would gather there for fun events like dances and bingo games. It even served as the Greyhound Bus stop for Atlanta, Illinois. The restaurant had a big, bright neon sign out front. This sign was not only for advertising but also used to signal buses when they needed to stop.
A Route 66 Landmark Today
The Palms Grill Café closed its doors during the 1960s. But thankfully, the building was completely fixed up and the cafe reopened in 2009! Now, it's a very popular and well-known stop for travelers exploring Historic Route 66 in Illinois. The Downey Building itself was recognized as a special historical place on February 25, 2004, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
