Regions Bank will close its Gay Street branch this summer, according to a letter sent to customers.
The branch, located in the Miller’s Building at 465 S. Gay St., will close 2 p.m. July 23.
The bank is “substantially renovating” its branch at 1831 Cumberland Ave., which will reopen July 26. It’s located across from TENN Student Living.
“The Cumberland Avenue branch will become one of the most modern Regions locations in all of Tennessee,” a Regions Bank spokesperson said in an email Thursday.
Regions considered customer demand and volume as part of the decision.
In the new location, guests will be greeted by a Regions banker instead of joining a teller line. The branch will include video banking ATMs that feature live video connection to Regions bankers.
ANCIENT LORE:Fantasy-world destination now open in South Knoxville
KNOXVILLE CENTER:Check out the latest demolition photos
AMTRAK:Dreaming of passenger rail service in Knoxville? It would take decades
“Our Gay Street location will remain open until the nearby Cumberland Avenue renovation is complete, and our team will be available to answer customers’ questions one-on-one throughout the transition,” the Regions spokesperson said.
Customers who rent a safe deposit box at the Gay Street location must visit the branch by July 9 with both keys to remove belongings. If not, Regions officials will transfer remaining contents to a Regions Bank in Birmingham.
In an effort to keep customers safe, the bank suggested making an appointment by using the Regions mobile app or at regions.com.
The vacated Gay Street location will be available for lease this summer.
Regions also has a location at 9206 Park W. Blvd. in Cedar Bluff.
Regions Bank signed a lease for its space in the Miller’s Building in 2011. It relocated from what is now the Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown, located across the street. Once known as the AmSouth building, it was home to several banks over the years.
The oldest portion of the Miller’s Building has stood since 1905. The building was designed by R.F. Graf of Knoxville, according to Knox Heritage. Today the building includes Bliss and Tori Mason Shoes, Cruze Farm, KUB and other businesses.
Miller’s Department Store operated for almost 70 years and closed in 1972.
Business reporter Brenna McDermott can be reached at brenna.mcdermott@knoxnews.com. Follow along with her work on Twitter @_BrennaMcD. Support our local news efforts by becoming a Knox News subscriber.
