After a while, you know the look — the ancient boards, the removal of the surrounding plants, the fence. You look at a building, and you know… it’s coming down. That was my impression upon seeing the old Berwyn National Bank this afternoon, out west on Cermak.
It didn’t help that the rest of the block (known locally as “Superblock” for some reason) was vacant and covered with gravel, the mark of recent clearance.
And… gah! Look at that Coming Soon poster! Where’s the old building? Are they planning to tear it down? How can they tear this down?! This is an outrage! I demand justice! I demand accountability! Have they no sense of history? No appreciation of fine art?! No interest in developing the sense of place that defines —
—oh, they’re not tearing it down? Huh.
Sure enough, renovation plans are in the works for this monumental old bank building. Huzzah! It’s a show stopper, and it’d be a terrible shame to lose it.
Security – Strength – Stability indeed. Long may they endure!
Links:
– Superblock Redevelopment Agreement Approved by Berwyn City Council
– Gaper’s Block – Berwyn’s Bank Building Battle
A Chicago Sojourn 
All my life, Ive been told that “progress is most important, buildings become obsolete”,etc., But I don’t agree. I’m happy to see someone with your unapologetic passion, striving to document our city before it befomes “THX 1138”. Thank you!!!