Washington, MO – Louis B. “Buzz” Eckelkamp, III, president of the Bank of Washington, is pleased to announce that a comprehensive remodel of the bank’s branch location inside the Washington Schnucks grocery store is underway.

The renovation recently started and is anticipated to take approximately three months. They are planning for the space to be fully operational in May 2021. It includes a complete redesign of the space, incorporates new technology, and comes on the heels of the bank recently launching an entirely upgraded digital banking system for its customers.

“We are consistently listening to our customers, working hard to anticipate their needs, and looking for ways to make banking more convenient and efficient, with the goal of continuously improving the customer experience,” stated Eckelkamp.

The footprint of the space is not changing, but the space layout will be entirely reconfigured with two new Smart ATM vestibules, a centralized transaction and consulting space, and back-office space.

“As the name suggests, Smart ATMs build on the functionality of a regular ATM, while adding additional transaction capabilities. More specifically, these machines allow customers to speak with a Bank of Washington employee located in a remote location. This virtual face-to-face, real-time conversation occurs over video chat displayed on the ATM screen,” said Eckelkamp. “However, we know many of our customers value in-person interaction, and we do too, which is why we are also ensuring there is plenty of room for traditional in-branch trusted and friendly service.”

The impact of COVID-19 and the changes to the banking environment did play a role in the design and execution of the branch remodel.

“The last thing we want is another scenario where we have to close this branch due to the safety of customers and employees,” stated Eckelkamp. “The space is designed to be adaptable to evolving health standards and to provide financial service flexibility with multiple options to conduct banking transactions.”

Eckelkamp said the Bank of Washington’s growth in these areas and the bank’s growth overall are also providing additional job opportunities for the community and advancement for employees.

“The role of the banker is continuously evolving and has evolved more in the last ten years due to technology than it had the previous 50 combined. As technology continues to offer our customers more opportunities to select when, where, and how they want to do their banking, our employees are also given new opportunities to expand their careers, learn, and grow along with us,” stated Eckelkamp. “Building relationships, valuing the human connection, being empathetic, knowing and understanding our customers, these are the traits we look for when expanding our teams, and where we believe the Bank of Washington will continue to differentiate itself. Providing that level of personal service coupled with the technology to make banking easy and intuitive, that’s our focus.”

The Bank of Washington is the oldest and largest community bank in Franklin County, serving the community for more than 140 years. The investments that the Bank of Washington makes in the local community ranks them as one of the largest commercial lenders in the St. Louis area and they have been consistently voted the No. 1 bank and mortgage lender in the Washington Missourian Readers’ Choice Awards.