On Tuesday, Simmons Bank staff along with White Hall city officials and Chamber of Commerce members gathered to break ground on a new branch location at 1308 Robin Road.
The facility will be located on about 2.24 acres. Construction on the approximately 4,700-square-foot branch begins this month with the branch projected to be completed in late summer, according to a Simmons Bank press release.
The decision to build a second bank branch, near the intersection of Robin and Sheridan roads, was solely customer driven, said Chad Pittillo, Simmons' Pine Bluff community president.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation shows traffic counts are growing at the Interstate 530 and Sheridan Road intersection at the western edge of the city, and White Hall Mayor Noel Foster uses the traffic numbers when talking to businesses or restaurants considering a move or new location there.
According to 2020 ARDOT numbers, vehicle counts at that intersection were up to about 26,000 daily, one of the largest vehicle count intersections in Jefferson County.
It's only a snapshot but a telling one, Foster said.
The planned Sheridan Road widening will extend approximately two miles on either side of the interstate from the intersection of U.S. 270 and Arkansas 365-S to state Highway 104 to Highway 365. That project is also driving commercial construction, according to Foster.
Along with the Simmons expansion, Relyance Bank is moving its headquarters to Sheridan Road. Other new construction on the road includes TownePlace Suites by Marriott and the White Hall Plaza, which will house Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's.
When the Simmons branch was first announced in early 2021, Daniel Robinson, then regional community president of Simmons Bank, explained the need for a new location.
"Our White Hall branch is one of the most frequently visited branches across our footprint," Robinson said. "Simmons Bank is excited to provide a second, convenient location for our customers to fulfill their banking needs."
While Simmons customer needs warranted a new White Hall location, usage at their Dollarway location was dwindling so the decision was made to permanently close it, Pittillo said.
"With the addition of the new branch in White Hall, Simmons Bank is continuing to deepen our commitment to Jefferson County," as well as Central Arkansas, he said Monday.
A MODERN LOOK
Pittillo described the new single story bank branch as "unique" for the Simmons group, adding "It will stand out" in White Hall.
The planned exterior is white masonry with a glass front with LED lighting and plenty of room for customers and staff.
"With 10 associates, the branch will have mortgage and business loan capabilities and provide personal and business financial services," Pittillo said.
The new, full-service bank will have a four-lane drive-thru access, ATM with deposit capabilities, safety deposit boxes and inside tellers, he said.
"In addition to added convenience, the upgraded facility will also enable us to provide broader access to the products and services our customers desire to meet their evolving financial needs," he said.
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects designed the White Hall branch and Flynco Inc. is the general contractor. Redstone Construction Group will complete the site work. All three are headquartered at Little Rock. Buckner Realty of Pine Bluff provided brokerage services for Simmons Bank.
An artist rendering shows the new White Hall branch of Simmons Bank. Simmons broke ground on the approximately 4,700-square-foot building Jan. 11. (Special to The Commercial)