Concerns emerge over proposed development of former BMO Harris Bank building in St. Charles

Restaurant, upscale residential units planned for building

Concerns are being raised about a developer’s plans to drastically change the look of the former BMO Harris Bank building in downtown St. Charles in order to accommodate a waterfront restaurant and upscale residential units.

The project is currently in front of the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness for major alterations to the existing facade of the mid-century modern building. Curt Hurst recently purchased the former BMO Harris Bank building at 1 E. Main St. near the Fox River. Hurst and his son, Conrad, own Frontier Development, which has been involved in several projects in downtown St. Charles.

In reviewing the plans at their meeting Wednesday, commissioners expressed concerns about changes to the building’s exterior. In addition, several people wrote letters to the city about their concerns, including historic preservation architect Michael Dixon. His company, which had been located in St. Charles for more than 32 years, did an architectural survey in 1994 for the city.

In 1965 the State Bank of St. Charles moved to the modern structure it built at 1 E. Main St. The Harris Bank took over the State Bank’s operation in 1988.

“The history of St. Charles can be told through its buildings,” Dixon said in a letter to the city. “Without a doubt, an updated architectural survey would list the building at 1 East Main St. in St. Charles as a “significant” building of mid-century modern style which has maintained a high degree of integrity involving a notable level of historic importance. Its exterior design appearance and original materials are important to maintain for future generations to understand and enjoy this product of its time.

Kelsey Shipton, executive director of the St. Charles-based Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, also criticized the plans.

“The proposed façade changes to the Harris Bank building severely detract from the original design of the building,” Shipton said in a letter to commissioners. “Though it appears that an attempt was made by the design team to mimic the alternating vertical bands of glass and brick that characterize the west elevation and portions of the south elevation, the resulting fragmentation complicates a historically simple façade design. Proposed louvered screens add further visual noise to the riverside elevation and the addition of a projecting one-story vestibule at the north, main elevation significantly alters the overall massing of the original design.”

Fourth Ward Alderman Lora Vitek noted the project has generated many positive comments from residents It was recently announced that Noted Chicago chef Chris Curren will serve as executive chef/owner of The Graceful Ordinary restaurant and his wife, Megan, will serve as the restaurant’s event sales manager. The couple live in the Fox River Valley.

“This just complements the already great happenings in downtown St. Charles,” Vitek said.

Commissioner Pam Mann countered that most residents have not seen the plans for the project.

“All they heard was there was going to be a restaurant,” Mann said. “I think if people see these plans, they may make a different decision about whether or not they want a restaurant.”

She objected to the balconies shown on the plans and “all that glass window that doesn’t make any sense. It’s very disturbing.”

Commission chairman Frederick Norris Jr. objected to the size of the balconies.

“The balconies are huge,” he said. “They can’t get any bigger. Do they have to be that big?”

Vitek said she didn’t see the design as being outlandish.

“I see it enhancing what’s already on the east side of the Fox River as well as what’s on the west side of the river,” she said.

Another commissioner suggested using glass rails instead of metal rails “so that it’s clear and it softens it up a little bit.”

Corey Dunne, owner and principal architect of D+K Architects, said he loves modern architecture. He defended the plans he designed for the building.

“I agree that it is a modernist building,” he said. “My personal philosophy is there needs to be a balance struck between the architecture of the building and what the build wants to be, the use of the occupants and how the occupants want to use the building and then what’s good for the greater community. To really come up with a successful solution, you really have to look at all three of those in balance.”

Dunne said the designs are respectful to the building.

“I think it’s an appropriate solution,” he said. “I fully expect we won’t get everybody on board with it, but I have no problem standing behind this and saying this is an appropriate solution to both the community and the building.”

Curt Hurst said he appreciated the comments about the plans.

“I want to try and find the right balance here so that we can have a great project that everybody is proud of,” Hurst said.

Discussion of the plans is set to resume at the commission’s meeting on Feb 3.

In 2019, Frontier Development purchased the Arcada building, which houses the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada. The historic building first opened its doors in 1926, attracting such performers as George Burns and Gracie Allen.

Frontier Development also owns the building that houses Flagship on the Fox sports bar and Pollyanna Brewing Company in downtown St. Charles.