Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank Building facts for kids

The Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank Building, built in 1928–29. This picture was taken from the nearby elevated Metra Electric train tracks. A train station close by helped make this bank building possible.

The Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank Building is a historic building in Chicago, Illinois. It was built between 1928 and 1929. This building was the main office for the Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank. This bank served the Hyde Park neighborhood. When it opened in April 1929, this 10-story building was the biggest bank outside of downtown Chicago. Today, it is a special Chicago Landmark.

Building Design and Purpose

The Hyde Park Bank Building was designed by K.M. Vitzthum & Co. It uses a style called Classical Revival. It also has some cool Art Deco decorations. The outside of the building is made of a stone called Bedford stone. In 2005, parts of the building were updated. This included the outside and the main banking area.

What Was Inside?

This bank building was made to be a busy place. It had many uses, like other banks built before the Great Depression. The street level had shops for rent. The bank's main area was on the first and second floors. There were also offices for people like doctors and lawyers. A busy train station nearby made this a great spot for such a big building.

History of the Bank

The Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank was an important part of its neighborhood. It was controlled by a banker named John A. Carroll. The building cost $2 million to build. It opened just six months before the stock market crash in 1929. This crash changed banking in the U.S. forever.

The Great Depression's Impact

Because of the Great Depression, the Hyde Park–Kenwood National Bank closed. This happened in June 1932. People who had money in the bank eventually got it all back. But they had to wait until World War II for the final payment. Even though the original bank closed, another bank moved in. The building has been used for banking ever since 1929.

Location and Local History

This bank building stands on a very old and important spot. It is where the town hall of Hyde Park Township used to be. Hyde Park was its own town before it became part of Chicago in 1889.