Firstbank now looking to complete building on Mission Street by November

The Firstbank construction site on Mission Street has been stalled for a several months.

Construction began at 2013 Mission St. back in March, said Fay Cole, office manager of First Bank, but was delayed for a few months.

“There was a very long delay, something to do with paper work,” she said.

Construction is now back on track.

Jeff Gray, director of planning and community development, said the construction was not held up on the city’s side of things.

“They’ve been issued all their approvals from the city, we went through normal review processes,” he said.

Gray said the holdup was likely in dealing with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“They’re the federal agency that oversees banking, so they issue whatever federal-level permits are required for a bank branch,” he said. “They started construction and the FDIC review was required, so they’ve been working with them to try and get that resolved.”

The bank is constructing a new building next door to its existing location to allow for more accessibility for its customers.

Cole said the new branch is supposed to be completed by November.

The new building is all about accessibility, Cole said.

“It’s going to be a smoother in and out, not necessarily a bigger building, just more user-friendly,” she said.

The back drive of the parking lot will be widened, allowing for more parking.

Additionally, access to the bank from Mission Street and Broomfield Road will be added, as well as access from Kmart.

“We are hoping that the easier accessibility to get in and out will be more convenient for our customers,” Cole said.

Doug Ouellette, president of Firstbank in Mount Pleasant, said he is excited for the completion of the new building.

“We’re making a significant investment in the community of Mount Pleasant and are excited about the additional services and efficiencies this branch will offer,” he said.

The existing Firstbank building has been sold to the Fast Eddie’s Car Wash and Oil Change franchise, Ouellette said and is currently being rented by First Bank until the new building is complete.