“Eight years ago, the building on 317 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL was a ‘sorrowful history of neglect’—a run-down eyesore that most developers wouldn’t touch. But where others saw ruin, Joliet native Kenny Banks saw a masterpiece in waiting. On April 23rd at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4pm a new vision officially comes to life as a dilapidated shell reopens its doors as the luxury Banks Bridal Suites and premier accommodations.
“This is where the nerves soften and the transformation into a bride truly begins,” said Kenny Banks, owner, developer, and creator of this unique concept.
The Banks Bridal Suites & Lodging sits among the city’s premier wedding venues, making it the perfect place to prepare for that special day.
Designed with space and comfort in mind, the accommodations offer plenty of room for the Bride, Groom, their families and party to relax, get ready, and enjoy the excitement and joy of the experience.
“We saw a need that needed fulfillment and brought in the best designers and conceptual artists to fulfill it,” said Banks.
A Joliet native with business experience in construction and developing, Banks used his expertise and knowledge to bring a new concept to downtown Joliet.
“When I first bought the property, my family and friends thought I was crazy,” Banks said. “It was a run-down old building on North Chicago Street with rats and roaches and a sorrowful history of neglect.”
Banks saw promise in the ruins. Inspired and Motivated by his parents, his mother opened the 1st Black owed cosmetology school, “Alla Mae’s School of Beauty Culture” in Joliet in the 1950s’ his father owned real-estate investments. With the example of fortitude and resilience observed by his parents, Banks developed the concept to do something out of the norm.
“Most people wanted me to turn the building into apartments or efficiency condos, but after consulting with my design team, we decided to do something boldly different!”
What Banks saw was a vision. *We saw Joliet as fitting into the mold of becoming known as a place for hosting weddings. With all the historic mansions and big churches, our facility is within ten minutes of all of them. It was possible to create a niche market for people to come from far and wide to have their weddings.”
A native of the Joliet Area, Banks is no stranger to competition. “In high school in Lockport, I was fourth in State in Track and Field. I had the number one jump in State that year (1984), although I didn’t win the State Championship that year, but I should have.
From there, Banks attended the University of Arkansas, then competed at the junior college in Champaign. He went back to Arkansas (University), where he competed on the world-class track and field level. “They called it ‘pro’ then, but it was nothing like it is today!”
Banks then attended Chicago State, where he pursued studies in Industrial Education.
After returning to Arkansas and completing his college education, Banks moved to Houston, where he made his home. However, his heart has always been in Joliet, and that is where he decided to make his business mark.
In 2018, Banks purchased an old, dilapidated building on North Chicago Street in downtown Joliet and he and his brothers set about refurbishing the property. It was at that moment that the Hand of Fate made its presence known. “I met a young lady in the industry named Talean Duke, who took over as Project Manager, and she was the main person who saw this through.”
The good fortune continued when Banks sought help with the Interior Design. “The interiors were thoughtfully designed by world-renowned designer Jonathan Bailey of The Bailey Gallery, who is also from Joliet.
“Jonathan has been featured in Architectural Digest.”
Every suite has been curated to highlight both style and functionality, making every detail memorable.
“The Banks suites are ideal for getting ready on wedding morning or enjoying a private weekend getaway. It provides a perfect mix of historic character and contemporary design,” Banks said.
Built in 1905, Banks and his design team have gone out of their way to preserve the history of the site, while providing every creature comfort of the modern age.
“I’ve tried to honor the history of Joliet and the legacy of my family. All the suites are named after family members. The name of the Banks family on the building is in honor of my parents,” Banks noted.
An experience at The Banks is projected to be unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind. For more visit bankssuites.com.
