Waukegan Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Waukegan Building
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The Waukegan Building in 2014
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4 S. Genesee St., Waukegan, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| Built by | St. Louis Bank Equipment Company |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 02001355 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 2002 |
The Waukegan Building is a historic skyscraper in Waukegan, Illinois, United States. It was the first skyscraper ever built in Waukegan. This tall building opened in March 1925. It stands in what used to be the main business area of the city.
Contents
Building's Story
How Waukegan Grew
By 1920, Waukegan, Illinois was growing fast. Its population was almost 20,000 people. This was a big jump from ten years earlier. More people meant the city needed more services.
A New Bank Building
The Waukegan National Bank Corporation started in 1914. It helped provide money for the growing city. But the bank quickly became too big for its first office. This office was a three-story building. It stood at the corner of Genesee and Washington Streets.
In 1924, the bank decided to build a much larger home. They hired a company called St. Louis Bank Equipment Company. This new building was built right on the same spot. The Waukegan Building opened to the public on March 7, 1925. When it opened, it became the tallest building in Lake County.
Early Businesses Inside
The Waukegan National Bank was the main tenant. Other important businesses moved in too. These included the Public Service Company of Northern Illinois. A Walgreens store also opened there. The Chicago Chamber of Commerce had an office on the eighth floor. Many doctors and lawyers also rented offices.
Changes Over Time
The Great Depression was a very tough time for the country. The Waukegan National Bank faced big financial problems. By 1931, it had to close. Another bank, Citizens National Bank, moved into the empty offices. It stayed there for six years. Since then, many different shops and offices have used the space. However, the building has been mostly empty since 1985.
Building Design
The Waukegan Building has a Neoclassical style. This means it looks like old Greek and Roman buildings. The building has eight stories. It is shaped like the letter "L." The main side of the building faces Genesee Street.
The outside walls are made of light brown brick. It also has special details made of limestone. The building sits on a strong concrete foundation. The top of the building is flat. It has two antennas reaching up into the sky. The front of the building has three main parts. This is a common design for buildings of its style.
