What can you do with two stories and a basement from a flat-iron-shaped building constructed in 1919? If you’re Walgreen’s, you can convert it into a striking new concept in health and wellness that fits right into the gentrified scene in the Bucktown-Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Working with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Walgreens has restored the historic Noel State Bank at the corner of Damen and North Streets in this locale northwest of the Loop to its original stately splendor, while at the same time turning it into an up-market Walgreen’s flagship store.
Curved sliding glass doors at the entrance, a stained glass skylight forming a six-pointed star, surrounding hexagonal ceiling trays creating Star of David patterns designed by the original owner, two-story columns with pilasters, clerestory windows fronting two sides of the triangle-shaped building and the original bank vault that now houses Walgreen’s vitamin offerings are all part of the renovation. And one element that combines old with new and truly pairs the original historical grandeur of the bank with today’s upscale interior facade is the tile on the floors and walls. Trostrud Mosaic and Tile of Wood Dale, IL, was selected to provide all the new tile, while artisan Jerry Jagovzinski of All Stone, Inc. restored the small mosaic tiles in the entryway of the store.