It’s in this spirit of progress the Professional Building went up at Division Street, right in downtown Elgin, reaching 96 feet toward the sky in grand Gothic Revival style-being the tallest and most glamorous structure around. The lobby, just inside, soared two stories high, dressed with decorative arches and shadows-a real treat for the eye. Now, picture yourself as a 1920s socialite stepping slyly out of a shiny automobile, ready to ascend to the eighth-floor ballroom. From there, you could survey the city, dance under shimmering lights, and perhaps eavesdrop on some stock tips-although, knowing what happened next, you might want to invest in canned beans.
But then came the Great Depression, and suddenly, the laughter echoing from the ballroom was replaced with the sighs of empty offices. Yet, this proud building didn’t give up. It stood tall, serving generations of Elginites-now with medical professionals, law offices, and even the Elgin Art Showcase on the top floor. It’s still a hub of community life and a regular stop for Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro and State Representative Anna Moeller. And although plans to turn it into apartments fizzled out quicker than a flat soda, it continues to stand guard over downtown-a little older, maybe wiser, and definitely still full of stories.
