Volunteers spent hours tearing away flooring to reveal the original tiles. The building, commissioned and constructed in 1913, had fallen into disrepair. However, it was originally one of the small-town banks originally designed by the famous Chicago architect towards the end of his career. Among those features are the art glass windows, the terra cotta masonry around the windows and the base of the building, and the original urns that accented the main entry. The nine art glass windows that once lined the side of the building much like the stained-glass windows of a church are currently located at Bank One buildings in Chicago and New York City, Johnson said.
Efforts are underway by the foundation to seek their return.
Replacements may be sought for the urns, which have not been located. The small eatery with its cheerful atmosphere is a place I had visited before and liked. On this visit, I found it as bustling as ever. Easter decorations in the window and bright pastel tablecloths set the spring mood. When I arrived, every table was filled with people enjoying simple, filling lunches from soups to sandwiches and salads.