Northwest Bank announces intent to relocate Lockport branch office
Feb. 20—Northwest Bank announced Tuesday that it is seeking a buyer for its branch office building at 55 East Avenue while searching for other, more suitable space downtown.
According to Shawn Walker, executive vice president of communications and regional marketing, multi-story 55 East Ave. is not a good "fit" for Northwest Bank. The building was constructed to house a full-service bank — it was originally the headquarters of Lockport Savings Bank — and in the eight years that Northwest Bank has occupied it, the only "service" used has been the drive-through teller lane.
Fifty-five East Avenue has been listed with Hunt Commercial Real Estate Group. Meanwhile, Northwest plans to find or construct a smaller Lockport branch office. The bank wants to stay downtown, according to Rick Hamister, Northwest's Great Lakes Region president.
"While we plan to remain in downtown Lockport, it no longer makes sense for us to maintain such a large property. It's better to be in the hands of someone who can make full use of the facility," Hamister said. "In the end, we want to ensure the best possible experience for our customers and will invest in a new facility that provides for greater access and convenience — lobby/drive-thru/ATM — and space for our business partners."
Bank executives said Northwest is committed to finding the "right" developer for 55 East Avenue, and partly as a result, its move to a new branch office could be several years out.
"This is really important to us to not leave the building vacant," Walker said.
"We love Lockport and will continue serving the community in an impactful way," Hamister added. "We are committed to working with our Realtor and local officials to find the right buyer or developer to ensure the best future use of the building to further enhance the vitality of the community."
