by Natasha Khairullah
Staff Writer
AmSouth Bank held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for its new Riverside branch. The ribbon-cutting was part of a week-long grand opening celebration which began Monday and will continue though Saturday. The festivities will end with a family fun day featuring clowns, face-painting and other family activities.
AmSouth Area Manager Mary Purdy said, with the new branch, AmSouth wants to let people in the Riverside and Avondale community know their business is appreciated.
“It’s been great so far and Saturday is going to be the best of all,” she said. “We encourage everyone who doesn’t already bank with us to stop by and see what we’re all about.”
According to Purdue, one of the main attractions so far is the building itself.
The office is nestled inside a tailored 1916 two-story Prairie Style home on Herschel Street in historic Five Points that was purchased in 2005. The house, which was most recently used as a group home for mentally disabled women in the Jacksonville area, was renovated by the Hawkins Construction Company.
Purdue said the idea to place a branch in a former residential home was partially because of its proximity to homebuyers interested in the area.
The new branch has recreated the original features of the house with hardwood floors and a fireplace. Windows that resemble the original windows have also been installed. The newly-carpeted second floor is empty and could house offices.
The Riverside location is the 26th AmSouth branch in the Jacksonville area. The 27th will open in the Regency area some time in March.