Historic Noel State Bank Building Gets New Chapter as Barnes & Noble Opens in Wicker Park
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Wicker Park ·
Book lovers in Wicker Park have a magnificent new literary destination as Barnes & Noble officially opened its doors last month in one of Chicago's most architecturally significant buildings. The national bookstore chain has transformed the historic Noel State Bank building at 1601 N. Milwaukee Avenue into what CEO James Daunt calls "one of the most beautiful bookstores anywhere in the world."
The ornate 1919 neoclassical building, which most recently housed a Walgreens with its famous "Vitamin Vault," now showcases books against the backdrop of stained-glass ceilings and gilt revolving doors. Store manager James Pioth says the Wicker Park location will cater to local tastes, likely favoring literary fiction and history, similar to the bookseller's Lincoln Park location. The distinctive wedge-shaped building required specially designed shelving to fit around odd angles and architectural nooks, creating unique browsing spaces throughout the store.
Residents can explore the new literary hub seven days a week (Monday-Saturday 10AM-9PM, Sunday 11AM-7PM) and follow @bnwickerpark on social media for upcoming events. The store opened with author Jeneva Rose hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the second Barnes & Noble to open in Chicago this year as part of the retailer's nationwide expansion.
Sources:
1. https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/press-release/barnes-noble-opens-new-store-historic-noel-state-bank-building-wicker-park/
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/money/2024/10/28/barnes-noble-long-awaited-wicker-park-store-noel-bank-finally-open-doors
3. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/barnes-noble-opens-inside-historic-building-in-wicker-park/3587512/