Waukegan Building, Waukegan Travel Guide

Discover the historic Waukegan Building, Waukegan's first skyscraper, a landmark of early 20th-century ambition and Neoclassical architecture.

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Waukegan Building

The Waukegan Building, a historic skyscraper in Waukegan, Illinois, was the city's first skyscraper, opening in March 1925. Located in the heart of the former central business district, this Neoclassical building reflects Waukegan's growth in the early 20th century.

A brief summary to Waukegan Building

2 S Genesee St, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Waukegan Building.

Explore downtown Waukegan, which features art galleries, murals, and restaurants.
Visit the Genesee Theatre, a restored 1920s masterpiece, for a show or tour.
Check out ArtWauk, a monthly cultural celebration of local artists and businesses.

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Explore Waukegan Building on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

The Waukegan Building is located at 2 S Genesee St in downtown Waukegan. From the Genesee Theatre, walk south on Genesee Street for about two blocks. The Waukegan Building will be on your right. There are sidewalks along Genesee Street for easy pedestrian access.
Public Transport

The Waukegan Building is accessible via Pace bus routes. Several bus stops are located near the intersection of Genesee Street and Washington Street, a short walk from the building. Check Pace bus schedules for specific routes and times. A single ride fare is typically $1.75.
Parking

Several parking options are available in downtown Waukegan. The City of Waukegan Parking Garage at the corner of North County and Clayton Streets offers hourly parking for $1 per hour. Metered street parking is also available, but time limits may apply. Be aware of alternate parking laws.

Discover more about Waukegan Building

The Waukegan Building stands as a testament to Waukegan's prosperous past. Constructed in 1924 and opening in 1925, the eight-story building was commissioned by the Waukegan National Bank Corporation to accommodate the city's growing financial needs. Upon completion, it became the tallest building in Lake County. Designed in the Neoclassical style, the building features light brown brick exterior walls with limestone details and a concrete foundation. The main facade on Genesee Street showcases a tripartite design typical of the era. Originally, the building housed the Waukegan National Bank, the Public Service Company of Northern Illinois, and a Walgreens, with the Chicago Chamber of Commerce occupying an office on the eighth floor. Unfortunately, the Great Depression led to the bank's bankruptcy in 1931. Although the Citizens National Bank moved into the vacated space for a few years, the building has been largely vacant since 1985. Despite its vacancy, the Waukegan Building remains a significant landmark, a reminder of the city's early 20th-century aspirations.