Bill Murray Makes First Stop at New Joliet Bridal Suites After Historic Prison Ballgame

Hollywood Star Stays at Local Entrepreneur's New Bridal Suites & Lodging

Kenny Banks just celebrated a ribbon-cutting event at The Banks Bridal Suites & Lodging in downtown Joliet. The new establishment features seven functional suites that range from one bedroom to four bedrooms.

The opening was marked by an unexpected celebrity guest. Bill Murray made his first stay at The Banks last week. The Hollywood actor visited Joliet to attend the historic Big House Ballgame inside the 1858-era Old Joliet Prison. Murray is part-owner of the Joliet Slammers baseball team.

Olympic Track Athlete Opens Downtown Business

Banks is a Lockport High School class of 1984 graduate. He is a former U.S. Olympic track and field athlete. He still holds his high school's high-jump record of 6 feet 10 inches. Banks set the record more than 40 years after graduating.

The Banks Bridal Suites & Lodging is located at 317 N. Chicago St. Banks remodeled the building seven years after Joliet Patch first profiled him following his purchase of a three-story apartment building in downtown Joliet.

Celebrity First Guest Sets High Bar

"And Bill Murray was our first guest; who would have thought that?" Kenny Banks said with a smile during Friday's interview with Joliet Patch's editor.

The Reed Suite is where Bill Murray stayed when he visited Joliet. Murray stayed for two nights before leaving town after The Big House Ballgame. Banks and Murray played two friendly games of pool in The Reed Room.

"I met Night Train Veeck (part-owner of the Joliet Slammers) and he toured the building, and (former) Senator Pat McGuire, who's good friends with Bill Murray, said Bill's going for the game as part-owner, and he would love to stay at your place," Banks said of the sequence of events.

Business Is Off To A Sizzling Start

So far, The Banks is off to a sizzling start. Banks said they have already booked 15 brides with wedding parties for 2027. The first wedding party that will stay at The Banks is set for the weekend of June 25-26.

"We've had three calls today and one showing for tomorrow," Banks told Joliet Patch during the interview. "We're averaging about one to two showings every weekend."

Banks said they are available for travelers making the Historic Route 66 pilgrimage across the U.S. He wants people to know that The Banks is available for these travelers.

Vision For Corporate Housing

Given that the Rialto Square Theatre is only three blocks down the street, Banks said he's hoping to draw a number of world-famous performers to stay at The Banks in the months and years ahead.

"I envision this place becoming corporate housing for NASCAR, where they can have people over and entertain guests and not have to worry," Banks said.

Banks also said he's hoping to attract Star Trek legend William Shatner, who will perform at the Rialto on Oct. 29.

Building Named After Family Members

Banks named the different rooms inside The Banks after many of his dear family members, including several who have passed away.

"We've still got two to name, so we'll figure that out," Banks explained. "We hope to have those done by the end of the year."

The Reed Room is the only room that features a billiards table.

Future Plans For The Building

The final two suites, on the basement level, could be finished and ready for guests by the end of the year, Banks explained.

"We've had three calls today and one showing for tomorrow," Banks told Joliet Patch during the interview. "We're averaging about one to two showings every weekend."

"I said, there is a need, let's do bridal suites," Banks exclaimed. "Any weddings within a 30-mile radius could stay here."

"We envision this being a place where the mayor of Joliet or Will County (government) can have people coming in, talking about the growth of downtown. What better place to stay in than here? You get to feel the pulse of the downtown and see the environment," Banks said.

Former Athlete's Journey

Banks competed professionally in track and field from 1986 until 1996. He tried out for the U.S. Olympic team in 1988 and 1992. He competed with world-famous record holders such as Carl Lewis, Edwin Moses and Ben Johnson.

He and Ron Coomer, the Chicago Cubs baseball announcer and former Major League Baseball All-Star, remain close friends. They hung together at last week's Big House Ballgame.

Plans To Honor Celebrity Guest

"I'm thinking of calling it Bill's Bedroom or Murray's Billiard Room," Banks shared. "I feel like he really loves the organization and being a part-owner. He's a hard worker."

"We're definitely going to create a wall of fame with the celebrities who stay here," Banks promised.

"I'm thinking of calling it Bill's Bedroom or Murray's Billiard Room," Banks shared. "I feel like he really loves the organization and being a part-owner. He's a hard worker."

Banks said he welcomes Murray as his guest anytime Murray intends to visit Joliet to watch the Joliet Slammers play.

Sources

• Joliet Patch
• Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce