First Bank & Trust will move its Main Street branch from its present location at 741 Main St. to 835 Chicago Ave. The move to the new mixed-use, high-rise building is contemplated for next summer. First Bank & Trust’s Assistant Vice President Chris White will manage the branch.
The bank, designed by Behles + Behles, will occupy one of four or five retail spaces on the ground floor of the nine-story building.
The second floor will contain offices, and the remaining floors will include 112 rental units. Riverside Investment & Development Company is developing this project in partnership with Atlantic Realty Partners. The project plans for a LEED Silver building that promotes renewable clean energy.
Riverside Investment & Development CEO John O’Donnell said he is thrilled to have First Bank & Trust in the building.
“The bank is a great financial institution and a strong community partner. With First Bank & Trust, and other retail stores on board, Chicago and Main will have a strong foundation,” he said.
The new bank branch will feature a state-of-the-art open floor plan concept that will replace traditional teller stations with comfortable seating arranged in a circle. It will also have a secure teller machine, known as a cash recycler, in the center of the space for personal bankers to access if a customer needs it.
“As more and more banking transactions are being done online, bank branches need to evolve to satisfy customer needs. Our goal is to create a space completely dedicated to our customers and the community. When people come into the bank they should feel a connection with their banker,” said Paul Kogol, senior vice president of retail banking for First Bank & Trust.
“The idea is to remove the barriers and offer our customers bankers who can act as advisors,” Mr. Kogol added.