Bangor Savings Bank on Monday opened its newest branch in downtown Brunswick.
The branch is at 45 Maine St., a spot once occupied by a historic building destroyed after a three-alarm fire in 2011. An adjacent building was also demolished to accommodate the bank.
The opening of the branch marks the final project in a $10 million bank expansion into southern Maine. Bangor Savings has opened two new Portland branches since January and renovated its Portland corporate headquarters last year. The bank now has 16 branch locations in York and Cumberland counties.
Donnelly said Brunswick is the sixth largest money market in the state, and Bangor Savings already has a large membership in the community. Many local community members had been traveling to branches in Yarmouth, Falmouth and Lewiston to bank with Bangor Savings. The bank has loan deals with local businesses such as New Beet Market, Wayfair and Avita of Brunswick — all at Brunswick Landing.
“We’ve had a strategic plan to build this branch for three years,” said Donnelly. “But the idea has been floating around for 10 years.”
In a nod toward Brunswick’s history, the bank — in conjunction with the Pejepscot Historical Society — is putting up a mural of the town at the rear entrance. There is a mural in the front entrance of the bank, as well.
At opening
Agnes Maynard played a symbolic role in Monday’s opening as the bank’s first customer. Maynard lived in the building from 1934-1948 that was demolished to make way for the bank’s back parking lot.
Maynard was on hand at the opening Monday morning, and sat down to open a savings account.
“I was surprised to be asked to be the first customer,” said Maynard, 81. “I think it’s quite an honor.”
“I’m related to just about everybody in town,” said Maynard. “I remember when Maine Street was wide enough so cars could park in the middle. And there were lots of parades. When we had the house right here, I used to go upstairs to my grandmother’s and watch the floats go by from her window.”
To help celebrate their inauguration, there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony next Wednesday, July 27, at 5 p.m., as well as a week of free treats inside the bank, including: Marshmallow Monday (2-4 p.m.), Taco Tuesday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Whoopie Pie Wednesday (1-3 p.m.), Thirsty Thursday (root beer floats from noon to 2 p.m.), and Foto Friday (free T-shirts and photo booth, 10 a.m. to noon).
Bank celebration
• TO HELP celebrate their inauguration, there will be an official ribbon-cutting ceremony next Wednesday, July 27, at 5 p.m., as well as a week of free treats inside the bank, including: Marshmallow Monday (2-4 p.m.), Taco Tuesday (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Whoopie Pie Wednesday (1-3 p.m.), Thirsty Thursday (root beer floats from noon to 2 p.m.), and Foto Friday (free T-shirts and photo booth, 10 a.m. to noon).
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