City Of Long Branch Gets Bank Of America's Historic Building

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Bank of America donated its historic main building on Broadway to the City of Long Branch. The bank will also upgrade and expand operations at its drive-thru office on Branchport Avenue, according to the City's Monday announcement.

The main office on Broadway will operate until the end of October. The City plans to convert it into an economic-development office and to launch to Long Branch Art Project. Long Branch's current economic office in downtown Broadway is in a cramped upstairs location that residents rarely visit, said Mayor John Pallone.

“Once the economic development office is moved to the repurposed bank, our plan is to showcase various programs like the Urban Enterprise Zone,” Pallone said in a statement. “The office will be visible and residents can walk in easier. A conference center can be set up for businesses and small groups."

The Long Branch Art Project will place exhibits in the historic building. Pallone said he wants to encourage local artists so Long Branch can become a regional focal point in the arts.

Bank of America is closing the main building on Broadway because most of their business is conducted online or at the drive-thru ATM diagonally across the street on Branchport Avenue.

"The drive-thru will remain for ATM purposes but they plan to open up the smaller building next to it for walk-up electronic services in addition to the ATM," Pallone said. "The building on Branchport Avenue and the parking lot will be upgraded."

The City also asked Bank of America to consider using the smaller office for mortgage and loan services.

The main building is in excellent condition, Pallone says. The building features a classic stone exterior and high ceilings.

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