Local residents who have stories or photos that capture some of the history of the former Great Lakes Bank and its predecessors could win two tickets to the grand opening and ribbon cutting of La Banque, the boutique hotel being developed in the old bank building.
right, was built in 1925. It is
in the last stages of being
converted into a boutique
hotel. (Photo provided by
Homewood Historical Society)
La Banque Hotel is holding a photo and story contest, inviting residents to submit bits of history from the series of banks that operated at the northwest corner of Ridge Road and Martin Avenue since 1925. The building began as the home of Homewood State Bank, which went out of business during the Great Depression, was resurrected in the 1940s as Bank of Homewood and later became Great Lakes Bank, which closed the location in 2008.
In a recent Facebook post, hotel officials note that historic preservation is part of the hotel’s design, and it will be part of the decor, too, with old photos on display and stories woven into the hotel’s promotional material.
“Help us find classic pictures of the old Great Lakes Bank and the customers that trusted them for so long,” the post states. “Send us your favorite story that makes the rich history of the bank come to life in words and in our imagination.”
If the photo or story is used in the hotel or in La Voute Bistro, the hotel’s restaurant, the person who submitted it, along with a guest, will be invited to the grand opening activities slated for June 6.
The deadline for entering the contest is May 22, and submissions should be posted on Facebook.
Related story:
Then and now: Homewood State Bank/La Banque (HF Chronicle, Jan. 6, 2015)
More information:
La Banque Hotel
La Banque Hotel on Facebook