Old Nichols Library
The building is constructed with yellow brick and indigenous limestone, of a much lighter design than is typical for the style. The building has a hipped roof with a gable centered in front. The center of the primary facade is stepped forward, with a broad, rough limestone arch that rises over the front door.
James L. Nichols, a professor at North-Western College (now North Central College) and successful author and publisher, established the library with a $10,000 bequest. In 1962, the City of Naperville built an addition, of a modern design, connecting to the south wall of the original building.
In 1996, the City sold the building to a local church. A developer bought the building from the church in 2017.
The Old Nichols Library building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource to the Naperville Historic District.
In 2017, the City designated the building as a local landmark under Naperville historic preservation ordinances.
In 2022, renovations on the Old Nichols Library building were finished, and it opened as an Italian restaurant.
References
- ^ Bach, Ira J. (1981). A guide to Chicago's historic suburbs on wheels and on foot (Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Will & Cook Counties). Wolfson, Susan. Chicago: Swallow Press. ISBN 0804003742. OCLC 7553324.
- ^ "Naperville Public Libraries: celebrating one hundred years of community service :: The Naperville Heritage Collection". www.idaillinois.org. Retrieved 2018-02-08.
- ^ "Naperville 2010 Report" (PDF). City of Naperville. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
- ^ "hpc20170822p.pdf" (PDF). City of Naperville. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
- ^ "200212.pdf" (PDF). Illinois HIstoric Preservation Agency. Retrieved 2018-02-07.
- ^ Hegarty, Erin. "Landmark status granted for Naperville's old Nichols Library". Naperville Sun. Retrieved 2018-02-08.
- ^ "Gia Mia an unlikely new tenant in old Nichols Library in downtown Naperville". Daily Herald. 2022-09-16. Retrieved 2022-09-27.