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BANK PRESERVES HISTORICAL LANDMARK Symbol of Trade and Prosperity.

BANK PRESERVES HISTORICAL LANDMARK Symbol of Trade and Prosperity.BANK PRESERVES HISTORICAL LANDMARK Symbol of Trade and Prosperity.
For decades, the Augusta Cotton Exchange on Reynolds Street was the economic center of a vast region, attracting the commerce and wealth from 40 Georgia and South Carolina counties. The Queen Anne and Second Empire building will once again reign as the center of commerce and finance as the eighth area branch office of Georgia Bank &, Trust, the oldest and largest banking company headquartered in Augusta.

This morning, Doug Barnard, the distinguished former U.S congressman cut intertwined period and modern ribbons to signify the re-birth of the Cotton Exchange.

With the opening today of Georgia Bank &, Trusts eighth branch office, the Cotton Exchange maintains its place at the center of commerce in downtown Augustajust like it was in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its incredibly important for a building with this sort of history to be saved, said guest speaker J. Joseph Brannen, president of the 358 member Georgia Bankers Association.

Its even better when a financial institution like Georgia Bank &, Trust can be a principal party to not only saving an historic building, but also using it as an ongoing enterprise,, he said.

Bank President and CEO, R. Daniel Blanton said many business people told him they were eager to bank with GB&,T once there was an office downtown. Weve been looking downtown for a few years and closely watching the activity, changes, excitement and momentum, he said.

The centerpiece of Mr. Blantons vision for the newest branch office is the vintage, wire-caged teller line constructed of walnut that was built in the 1890s.

This Saturday from 9:00 am until noon, the bank will be open to the public to tour renovated and preserved features of the 118-year-old building. Some interesting features include a 1921 mural-size chalkboard, an antique telephone booth, and bales of cotton. Outside---- areas lead to the 24 Hour ATM and the state-of-the-art windowless drive-thru line--- operated via cameras from inside.
Founded in 1989, Georgia Bank &, Trust Company is Augustas oldest and largest locally headquartered bank. Georgia Bank &,Trust employs 270 people and maintains seven banking offices in the greater Augusta area in Richmond and Columbia counties.