Inside Business: American Bank`s New Branch | Video

Jim Christianson | 9/18/2012

With it`s shiny glass exterior, American Bank Center`s new office building is an eye-catching addition to downtown Bismarck. Construction finished this summer, but Chief Operating Officer Greg Vetter says during that time, it`s been business as usual.

"We were very fortunate with our timing of the project, so that our shell was able to go up rather quickly and we were able to work inside most of last winter."

And the project is not just for show. American Bank Center had its Bismarck beginnings as Bankcenter First and has been steadily growing for 35 years. It now boasts around a billion dollars in assets, 300 employees and 13 banks located primarily in western North Dakota cities. The new building is strategically located at the northeast corner of 4th and Rosser, kitty-corner from American Bank Center`s main bank, and will house their trust, insurance and mortgage operations.

"We`re primarily a small business bank. And dealing with the people in the real estate business and the appraisal business, legal accounting firms, etc. Our best bet was to look downtown," Vetter said.

Vetter says they took advantage of Bismarck`s Renaissance Zone program in deciding on the new location. And as they continue to move staff into the new building, they`ll ultimately use every square inch of space.

"And the second floor will be our risk management department and first floor is for retail. So with that, we`ll occupy most of the space in both facilities from day one."

Some finish work remains on the first and third floors, but according to Vetter, once all floors are completed up to 60 employees will occupy the brand new space.

American Bank Center formed in 1977 and is now one of the largest independent banks in the state.

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