Bank of Ann Arbor Branch in Saline to Open Mid-January

For those who appreciate buying local, there will soon be new bank in town designed for them. The Bank of Ann Arbor is opening its seventh branch in the heart of downtown Saline in mid-January.

The building, located at 179 E. Michigan Ave., was purchased from the former occupant, Bank of America. In the past year the structure has been extensively renovated inside and out, essentially remaking it.

“We’ve spent the time since we’ve owned it refurbishing it, remodeling it and updating it, bringing it in to the 21^st century type business,” said Hans Maier of Bank of Ann Arbor. “I think we’ve made quite a modification and enhanced the site.”

The roofline of the bank was changed to give the building “a bigger presence on the site.” The drive-up window that used to be in the back was moved to the west side also to make it more visible.

The bank has also added two sit-down teller stations for greater banking comfort.

“We are excited about the location," Maier said. “We feel a community bank should be near the hub of the action, so to speak.”

Currently there are four locations in Ann Arbor, one in Ypsilanti and one in Plymouth.

The bank first opened in Ann Arbor in 1996 with $16 million in assets and it now has $850 million. Unlike some of the bigger banks, Bank of Ann Arbor remained profitable in the turbulent years of 2007 and 2008.

Bank of Ann Arbor is a full service bank, competitive with the big banks in its product offerings, Maier said. They offer online banking and other modern services.

“And, of course, you don’t find any 800 numbers with our institution, Maier said, “You’re dealing eyeball to eyeball.”