Architect to explore history of American bank buildings
Anthony Rubano, a project designer in the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office, will present the program "Banking on the Future: Modernism and the Local Bank" at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, in the Carnegie Room of the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. The program is sponsored by the Thornapple Questers.
Rubano has provided architectural services to almost 70 historic Main Street communities throughout the state.
He is a part-time faculty member of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has a master of architecture with an emphasis on architectural history and preservation from the University of Illinois, where he has taught the history of American architecture.
"The local bank building has long represented community prosperity, prestige and fiscal security," Rubano said. "Historically, these buildings, along with the train station, post office, and library, formed the social, institutional, and aesthetic cornerstones for their communities.
"Since the 1800s, many American Banks have been at the forefront of high-style and traditional design, but in the mid-20th century the banking industry rapidly transformed from classicist to Modernist," Rubano said. "Banks were modernized to make dramatic contemporary statements."
Rubano will talk about this architectural transition and give local examples, such as the original St. Charles National Bank on the northwest corner of Route 31 and Main Street in St. Charles, and the original State Bank of St. Charles building, which was built in 1965 at 1 E. Main St. in St. Charles and currently houses the local BMO Harris branch.
Thornapple Questers, the program sponsor, is part of an International, nonprofit organization.
Questers are lovers of antiques, collectibles, and history who encourage an appreciation for antiques, and the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.
If you are interested in attending this program or would like more information about Questers, call Pat Pretz at (630) 336-4706.