Bancorp South on Highway 45 North in Columbus is moving to a new location this fall.
The bank, which currently neighbors McDonald”s, will move farther north in October or November, just south of KFC.
“The branch that we presently have is in a great location, but it”s not big enough to serve our customers efficiently,” said bank President Walter Thatcher. “Most of the time, people want to come in, do their banking and go on out. They don”t want to wait in line. This will allow us to give more prompt service.”
The new branch will have four drive-through lanes and will increase teller stations. The current 45 branch has only two drive-through lanes. Though the bank will expand, there won”t be any additional hires. Thatcher said current tellers will be shifted, as needed.
The new building will be two stories and 9,366 square feet. Work is being done by F and F Construction Co. of Memphis, Tenn. builds all of Bancorp South branches
“It will be a larger building than where we are now,” said Thatcher. “It will replace the branch near McDonald”s and it will allow us to give our customers better service.”
Customers also will have faster access to the branch, since there will be a traffic light at a turn to the bank.
A new drive-through car wash also is under construction on Highway 45 North, at the old Jim Walter Homes location.
The city of Columbus has had 17 new commercial permits since December 2010.
“Naturally, single-family dwellings are still very few. As far as renovations, remodeling and commercial building, we”re pretty busy,” said Kenny Wiegel, building official for the city of Columbus.
There also are several prospects interested in Columbus, Wiegel said.
“There”s definitely some inquiries on more commercial growth,” Wiegel said.
Lowndes County has issued 11 commercial permits this year.
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