Published: October 17, 2008 09:36 am      

Community First Bank breaks ground on new Woodlawn facility

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

WOODLAWN — The village will be getting a new bank, as Community First Bank of the Heartland broke ground on a new facility next door to the Village Hall and across from the grade school.

The bank, formerly named First National Bank of Woodlawn, has had a presence in the village since it was chartered more than 100 years ago, survived the Depression and the banking crisis of the 1980’s, according to bank president and chief executive officer Jo David Cummins.

“For an economy to grow in local communities, it takes a bank,” Cummins said. “So we’re bringing a bank to this town.”

Cummins said from the time he bought the bank, Woodlawn “has been on our mind”

“The board has been committed, from day one, to Woodlawn,” Cummins said.

The design for the new bank is in keeping with the railroad heritage of Woodlawn, featuring a “train depot look,” Cummins said. The 1,776 square foot building will have two drive-through lanes and a covered ATM and night deposit area. Construction is expected to begin within the next few months.

Cummins said there have been no plans made for the existing building once the move is made. Employees will remain the same, with the addition of Hester Knecht, who will be serving as facility manager.