Central Bank to build branch in Springfield Plaza

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Central Bank of the Ozarks plans to build its 22nd branch at the sprawling west-side Springfield Plaza development.

Rich Kramer Construction Inc. was scheduled to break ground today on 2.5 acres owned by Central Bank at 3720 W. Sunshine St., at the northeast corner of Springfield Plaza. However, the ceremony for the currently vacant land was canceled due to inclement weather, according to a news release.

“In this day and age where banks are building fewer and fewer branches, we have made a conscience decision to increase our footprint in an area of town where our customers need our services,” Central Bank President and CEO Russ Marquart said in the release. “Committing our people and resources in West Springfield is a benefit to our customers who live in this thriving and growing part of Springfield.”

At the site — adjacent to Cape Girardeau-based Plaza Tire Service Inc.’s second Springfield store — Central Bank currently operates an ATM. Central Bank Vice President and Marketing Manager Andrew Tasset said the ATM was installed more than two years ago when the bank purchased the land.

Designed by Sam A. Winn & Associates Architects PC, the branch is scheduled to be complete in June. The project’s estimated cost is $2 million, according to a city building permit.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot, six-employee bank will be the first by Central Bank to offer after-hours interactive teller machines, according to the release.

Central Bank currently operates 21 branches and 35 ATMs in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Highlandville, Battlefield, Republic, Marshfield, Strafford, Fair Grove and Pleasant Hope.

Central Bank also served as lender of Phase I of Springfield Plaza, which recently wrapped up with the openings of Ross Dress for Less, Shoe Show Inc.’s Shoe Dept. Encore, Burlington Stores Inc. and Petco Animal Supplies Inc., according to Springfield Business Journal reporting.