Independent Bank Expands Grand Rapids Presence With New Downtown Office

Independent Bank is expanding its West Michigan presence with a new flagship location in downtown Grand Rapids. The 160-year-old bank partnered with independently-owned commercial real estate firm, NAI Wisinski of West Michigan, on the purchase of a four-story, 15,136-square-foot building at 98 Ottawa Avenue NW on October 11, 2024. The new building will house the Bank's downtown retail banking branch and roughly 40 corporate employees.

Independent Bank currently leases space on Monroe Avenue NW for 20 commercial and private banking team members as well as its community branch, which will move into the new building over the next several months. The Bank plans to make several renovations inside 98 Ottawa Avenue NW to create at least 40 dedicated offices, meeting spaces, and working areas for hybrid team members. Exterior design updates will enhance Independent Bank's brand visibility during a time of significant growth for downtown Grand Rapids.

"Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to work, live, dine, and shop, and as a community-focused bank, we're growing where customers will expect to find Independent Bank," said Brad Kessel, President and CEO of Independent Bank. "Our business growth and commitment to Grand Rapids created a well-timed opportunity for Independent Bank to support downtown development alongside many other exciting projects, and we look forward to strengthening important partnerships with more organizations across West Michigan."

"We're excited to see another established, Michigan-based organization decide to remain in and expand their footprint downtown. It's a trend we're seeing across industries for office space in West Michigan," said Mary Anne Wisinski-Rosely, Partner and Executive Vice President of NAI Wisinski of West Michigan.

Independent Bank has nearly 60 locations across Michigan's lower peninsula and northern Ohio. Last month, Independent Bank celebrated the opening of its newest community banking branch in Clinton Township, Michigan. The company also recently earned Best-In-State Bank from Forbes and America's Greatest Workplaces from Newsweek.