The City of Des Plaines, restaurateur David Villegas, and Pope Design Group partnered to transform the historic 1925 White Bank building in downtown Des Plaines, Illinois into a destination restaurant.
Renovations to the 18,390-square-foot building include a full-length bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private dining room within the former bank vault, and a third-floor event center.
The historic Art Deco-style building features many distinctive architectural elements that are restored and celebrated as signature features of the restaurant, including original arches and windows, barrel-vaulted ceilings, coffered ceilings, and terrazzo floors.
Every effort was being made to preserve the building’s unique character. Bringing the structure up to current code requirements necessitated significant mechanical, electrical, and structural upgrades.
The third floor event space is designed to feature a sushi restaurant, dance floor, and backlit ceiling panels designed to create the ideal ambiance for dining, private events, and DJ dance parties. Every inch of the space was carefully planned, and structural reinforcement was incorporated to support the increased occupancy loads associated with event gatherings.
This adaptive reuse project is the outcome of a public-private partnership, bringing new life to this historic building. The Dime is anticipated to open in August 2027.
Check out this recent site tour with the Des Plaines’ Mayor and David Villegas.