Downtown Winnetka will soon see one of its largest ever construction projects get underway.
The Village Council approved on Tuesday the demolition of the J.P. Morgan Private Bank at the corner of Green Bay Road and Elm Street and its replacement with a new three-story combined retail branch and office. The new facility will enable JPMorganChase to double its Winnetka-based team to more than 50 employees.
“This is a big milestone,” said Jaime Freeman, the head of North Shore for J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “We are clear to begin demolition next January.”
The 35,000-square-foot building’s design was influenced by a two-year negotiation with the Village Council, who wanted the new structure to blend in with the rest of downtown, a walkable area with a lot of shops, she added. The exterior will include limestone, brick and little exposed metal, matching the materials used throughout the central business district. A specially crafted architectural frieze will top off the building.
“We wanted to make sure we were reflecting the wishes of the village,” Freeman said.
Village trustees praised Chase’s development team for making changes to the building’s design, especially by including the frieze.
“That’s going to be an amazing detail, and something that’s going to really define this building for a long time,” said Village President Christopher Rintz. “I appreciate your willingness to roll up your sleeves after the last meeting and pay attention to the things that were mentioned up here.”
Winnetka Community Development Director David Schoon said bank officials also agreed to hold off demolition until after December, so the project would not disrupt holiday shopping.
“All retail businesses were very appreciative of the Village’s efforts to work with Chase Bank to have construction start after the holiday season,” he said.
Bank customers and clients will also see changes, Freeman said. The new branch, which Chase expects to complete by mid-2026, will offer account holders more casual seating and consultation areas. Clients will enjoy an event space on the third floor instead of the old building’s small conference rooms.
“Now we have a full floor with double the footprint,” she said.
Throughout construction, customers can visit nearby branches at 851 Spruce St. or 400 Central Ave. in Northfield.
