First Merchants Bank is deepening its investment in Royal Oak with plans to open a new full-service banking center at 323 S. Main St. (at E. Fourth Street). It was a Comerica bank branch.
The approximately 2,525-square-foot location is near the bank’s Michigan regional headquarters at 400 W. Fourth St.
Together, the two locations will serve consumers, businesses, and community organizations throughout Royal Oak and southeast Michigan.
“Establishing our regional headquarters in Royal Oak was an investment in the future of our company, our customers, and this community,” says Dan Ervin, Michigan president for First Merchants Bank. “This new banking center is a natural extension of that commitment. It gives us a visible, accessible place in downtown Royal Oak where people can meet with a banker, have meaningful conversations, and receive financial guidance tailored to their goals.”
First Merchants signed a lease for the former Comerica and Fifth Third banking location on Sept. 14. The downtown storefront features two private offices, a conference room, a two-station teller area, lobby seating, a coffee station, and a walk-up ATM. The opening date remains subject to occupancy confirmation and regulatory approval.
The new banking center will complement First Merchants’ nearby regional headquarters, which is home to 120 employees and provides mortgage, commercial banking, treasury management, and lending expertise. The proximity of the two locations will allow local banking-center professionals and specialists across the organization to work together to support a broader range of customer needs.
“Relationship banking begins with listening and understanding what matters to each customer,” says Carrie Valek, president of consumer banking at First Merchants. “Our investment in Royal Oak brings together a convenient neighborhood banking center and the capabilities of our broader Michigan team. Customers will have a local point of contact who can connect them with the right expertise as their personal or business needs grow.”
The regional headquarters provides a place to welcome clients, community partners, and employees, including a flexible community room for internal and external groups. The new Main Street banking center will extend that presence directly into the downtown neighborhood.
With approximately $21.3 billion in assets, First Merchants Corp. is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
For more information on First Merchants’ Royal Oak branch, visit here.
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