LA BANQUE HOTEL AND LA VOUTE BISTRO OPENS IN HOMEWOOD LANDMARK

A landmark bank building in the heart of Homewood is getting a glamourous second life as a French inspired boutique hotel, bistro and bar that combines history and hospitality. La Banque Hotel and La Voute Bistro and Bar opens June 15th in the former Great Lakes Bank building. The local landmark was at the center of commerce in the Chicago suburb from 1925 until it closed in 2013.

Owner Claude Gendreau saw an opportunity to reinvent and conserve the landmark in all of its glory, as he did with another Homewood landmark, Ravisloe Country Club, which he turned into a highly-rated public golf course in the Midwest. “La Banque Hotel and La Voute Bistro and Bar are the spark of the rebirth of Homewood as the suburb continues to grow,” said owner Claude Gendreau. “I have a passion for restoring historical sites with a modern eco-friendly twist and found this location to be perfect with the growth of Homewood and need for such a beautiful significant landmark.”

The bank building’s history shines throughout the 18-room hotel and restaurant – from the majestic lobby and bank vaults to the wall of safety deposit boxes that serves as a backdrop for the restaurant and bar. Owner Claude Gendreau said the renovation took 3 years.

A destination in its own right, La Voute Bistro & Bar is situated in a section of the bank that dates back to 1925 and includes the bank’s main vault. The vault provides a unique backdrop for the breakfast buffet; and a unique private dining experience for lunch or dinner. The focal point of the vault is the original massive pneumatic door that was inspected and signed by legendary former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

The restaurant features French inspired farm to table cuisine by award-winning Chef Dominque Tougne in a comfortable bistro setting. Born in Alsace in the northeast region of France, Tougne trained in Paris, cooked with culinary greats and received numerous honors before moving to Chicago to join Levy Restaurants as chef de cuisine of Chicago’s Bistro 110 and the successful Lincoln Park French restaurant, Chez Moi. Chef Thomas Donnelly will oversee daily operations of La Voute Bistro & Bar.

The luxurious 18-room La Banque hotel features full amenities and is available for weddings, family reunions and staycations. During the summer months, outdoor dining will be available along the planned greenspace on Martin Avenue in Homewood’s business district.

The hotel is located at 2034 Ridge Road in Homewood, 23 miles south of Chicago and a short walk from Metra and Amtrak stops located just a half block away. The development will add more than 40 jobs in the area. For more details, please visit www.labanquehotel.com.

ABOUT THE PROPERITES

La Banque Hotel is an unique boutique hotel located in the Chicago suburb of Homewood. Owner Claude Gendreau transformed the historic Great Lakes Bank building into a luxurious boutique hotel and bistro, opening Summer 2015. La Voute Bistro & Bar offers French-inspired cuisine by award-winning Chef Dominque Tougne. The restaurant features one of the bank’s original vaults, perfect for a unique private dining experience. For more details, please visit www.labanquehotel.com.