The new teller counter at the remodeled Antwerp Exchange Bank
The Antwerp Exchange Bank opened it’s doors over 110 years ago and in February 1978 it moved to their present-day facility. At one point in its history, AEB was located where the Antwerp Pharmacy is currently.
The board has known for years it was time to make changes and in 2011 they decided to make a major renovation. The bank has not had any remodeling done since the building was built. Throughout 2012 plans were made, architectural drawings were rendered and construction started by the end of 2012.
There were four offices in the building previously. Following the remodel there will be a total of eight, meaning customers will have the opportunity to take more time at their appointments.
Current board members include Carol Chilcote, Joe Barker, Mike Arend, Tim Yenser, Shawn Dooley and Ron Eschbach, Bank President. Ron has been at the bank since 1984 and became bank president in August of 1998. Joe is the longest serving of the board members.
Ron Eschbach stated, “In the long run it will allow us to grow and offer products and services as they come along and remain independent as we take care of our customers out of this location.” The building footprint itself is changing not only the inside office, teller stations and other rooms; but the tellers will now be able to see both the front and the drive-up windows without having to walk between rooms, allowing them to be more efficient with customers.
A backup power generator will also be added to better serve banking and community needs. Then even when disasters like June 29, 2012 strike, the bank will be up and running. Updates such as this will add value to the facility that isn’t really noticed until there is a major problem.
The board is being very economical with the current furnishings that are to be replaced with the renovation. Ron says the bank is not throwing it away, but is all being donated to the community. Some to Payne others to the Village of Antwerp, including the large solid wood boardroom table that will don the new village offices at the Depot on West River St.
McDonald Design & Build from Defiance is handling the renovation project. This company also built the original structure back in 1977. Local subcontractors used in this venture include Friends Flooring and Hormann’s Heating & Cooling. The entire project is expected to be finished by mid-March 2013.
Antwerp Exchange Bank has offices in Antwerp, Payne and Harlan.
