La Banque Hotel Prepares for Grand Opening

Photo: The lounge at La Banque. | Credit: La Banque Hotel Facebook

The staff at Homewood’s new boutique hotel are eager to open the doors to the public. In less than two weeks, three years’ worth of hard work will be unveiled.

La Banque Hotel and La Voute Bistro and Bar opens June 15 in the former Great Lakes Bank building, 2034 Ridge Road. 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, as he did with another Homewood landmark, Ravisloe Country Club.

“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 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 several years.

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.

The18-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 development will add more than 40 jobs in the area. For more details, visit www.labanquehotel.com.

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