Former Laramie State Bank Building

Gazing up at the Former Laramie State Bank Building, one might hear whispers of the Roaring Twenties. This isn’t just another building. The Former Laramie State Bank Building stands as a vibrant testament to a bygone era of optimism and architectural exuberance. Constructed in 1928, the Former Laramie State Bank Building at 5200 W. Chicago Avenue, in Chicago’s Austin community, is a true Art Deco masterpiece. Architects Meyer & Cook designed this striking structure, and the Northwestern Terra Cotta Company crafted its intricate ornamentation. Unlike the stoic, neoclassical banks of the time, the Former Laramie State Bank Building embraced a burst of color and symbolism. Mustard yellows, celery greens, and creamy whites dance across the terracotta facade. Look closely. You’ll see symbols of prosperity and industry: coins, beehives, squirrels diligently gathering nuts, and heroic workers. These intricate details weren’t mere decoration. They spoke to the aspirations of the bank’s customers, a visual promise of wealth and abundance. Over the main entrance, a scene of overflowing bounty reinforces this message. A family embraces a child, while an elderly couple finds peace beside a basket brimming with fruit. Above them, an owl of wisdom and an American eagle astride the globe symbolize security and confidence. The Former Laramie State Bank Building was more than just a bank; it was a work of art. The Northwestern Terra Cotta Company, at the height of its prowess, featured this building as its premier example of Art Deco design. Sadly, the bank closed its doors in 1930, a casualty of the Great Depression. Despite its landmark status, the Former Laramie State Bank Building has faced challenges in recent years. Vacancy and deferred maintenance have taken their toll. But the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, embodied in its vibrant terracotta, still endures. The Former Laramie State Bank Building stands as a reminder of a time when architecture dared to dream big and when even a bank could be a work of art.