60-Year banking legacy continues with opening of new West Belleville branch
A new Regions Bank branch opened in November at 5401 North Belt West in Belleville, replacing the bank’s previous location at 4800 W. Main St.
Customers have access to drive-up and walk-up ATMs.
“Regions Bank’s roots in Belleville run incredibly deep,” said Tyler Lipe, Midwest consumer banking executive with Regions, in the release. “Our team members are proud to call this vibrant community home, and it’s an honor for us to serve the people, families and companies who’ve done the same for decades.
“Opening our West Belleville location represents the next exciting chapter of building on the strong foundation we’ve established in St. Clair County.”
The bank is currently in negotiations to sell the property at 4800 W. Main St., according to Kim Borges, Vice President, Market PR Specialist for Regions Bank. Negotiations are expected to conclude at some point in the new year.
The West Belleville branch celebrated its grand opening Thursday, Dec. 4, with the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce.
“Investments like this one strengthen Belleville’s economic vitality and create opportunities for growth,” said Maribeth Bendick, president and CEO of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce.
“This event highlights their continued commitment to serving our community and supporting local businesses. The chamber is proud to stand alongside Regions Bank as they invest in the future of our region,” she said.
In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Regions presented a $2,500 donation to the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence, or CAVE, which is part of Belleville Township High School District 201 and offers vocational programs to students.
Regions Bank has a history of helping Belleville high school students build strong financial foundations by providing free classes on saving, budgeting, credit and other financial topics, according to the release.
The bank’s history in West Belleville
The West Belleville bank building has a history spanning more than 60 years.
Construction of the original bank was completed in 1962 and opened as Bank of Belleville on May 28 that year.
The structure saw several additions and renovations over the decades. In June 1977, a building on an adjacent acquired property was demolished to make way for a drive-thru facility.
The bank expanded again in the 1980s, adding 5,800 square feet for offices on the east, west and south sides of the existing 18,000-square-foot building, according to a June 8, 1983, News-Democrat report. A new exterior facade and atrium were also part of the planned project.
A $450,000 renovation in 1996 brought new lighting, carpeting, wall coverings and furniture. An ATM, telephone banking area and product information kiosk were also added to the lobby. The remodel was completed in November of that year.
Bank of Belleville also went through a series of mergers and name changes that included Magna Bank of Belleville (1988), Magna Bank, National Association (1990), Union Planters Bank (1998) and Regions Bank (2005).
About Regions Bank West Belleville Branch
Regions Bank’s West Belleville branch is located at 5401 North Belt West. Lobby and drive-thru hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. ATM access is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For more information about Regions Bank, visit regions.com.
