OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
There's been a green light from the preservation board for Fifth Third Bank to relocate and build a new bank in Owensboro's overlay district.
It took Fifth Third Bank eight years to get their plan finalized.
"They have a pretty good strategy for growing this branch and adding new employees and really being part of the community here," said Kurt Prosser with the GPD Group.
They're not moving far, just right across the street to Fifth and Frederica Street. Bank representatives say it's all part of their plan.
"Fifth Third's strategy is to be close to the downtown core and close to businesses down here," said Prosser.
"16 years ago we bought this building and came downtown," said Jennie Clemens, the owner of Trisons in downtown.
Clemens says the location of the business couldn't be better.
"It has been wonderful because it has grown so much," said Clemens.
As downtown continues to grow, city leaders say more existing businesses, like Fifth Third and Texas Gas, want to move closer to the overlay district.
"We're very pleased to see everything going on and to see the activity," said Prosser.
Clemens says the creation of a more business district will only help future growth.
"I think all the expansion that's going on all over in this area, it's just helping the City of Owensboro," said Clemens.
Fifth Third plans to build a one story, 54 hundred square foot building with at least four drive thru windows.
The building and parking plan all fit into the preservation board's guidelines.
"It's great. It helps us all," said Clemens.
Next, planning and zoning will review and approve the plans before construction starts.
No word yet on what will happen to the old building but Fifth Third representatives say the new building is expected to open by the end of this year.
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