Future of Skokie’s SOM Modernist Bank: Demolition or Reuse?

This post examines the fate of a vacant midcentury bank in Skokie. The building is a thoughtfully designed, nearly 34,000-square-foot modernist structure by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), led by Bruce Graham. It is now for sale and faces a crossroads between adaptive reuse and demolition.

This article summarizes the building’s key architectural qualities and its development potential. It also discusses why preservation strategies and incentives should be considered.

Why this building matters

The former Bank of America branch at 4747 Dempster St. was built in 1968 as Skokie Federal Savings. It is an exemplary piece of midcentury modern architecture, featuring two stories of steel-and-glass design, restrained details, and a white-painted façade that stands out from darker Miesian buildings.

Buildings like this are rare civic assets. They represent legible architecture that can anchor sensitive, mixed-use redevelopment if treated with care.

The design team included SOM partners William Dunlap and Jack Train under the direction of Bruce Graham, the architect of the Sears Tower. This gives the property notable architectural pedigree that appeals to communities and funders.

Architectural features and adaptive reuse potential

The building’s layout and construction make it adaptable for contemporary use. The original plan includes a first-floor banking hall, offices, conference and board rooms, a rentable second floor, and a basement with vault and support spaces.

All of these spaces are wrapped in a rational steel frame and recessed floor-to-ceiling glazing.

Key physical attributes worth preserving and leveraging:

Development context and incentives

The site is within a tax-increment financing (TIF) district, which can support public-private partnerships. The building may also be eligible for National Register listing and federal or state rehabilitation tax credits.

These incentives can shift the financial equation toward preservation and adaptive reuse.

Preservation challenges and community impact

One pressing challenge is that Skokie lacks a landmark ordinance. This leaves the structure legally vulnerable to demolition despite its design significance and community ties.

Local preservationists call the building “stunning.” They warn that losing it to a generic redevelopment would be a cultural and architectural loss.

From a planning and civic point of view, retaining and reprogramming the building can:

Developers and public officials should first assess eligibility for historic designation and rehabilitation incentives. Exploring adaptive reuse scenarios can capitalize on the building’s structure and location.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Will a vacant modernist bank in Skokie designed by SOM be razed or reused?