LOXLEY — On Friday morning, a group of Citizens’ Bank officers, local officials and members of the community, gathered on a lot just north of the existing Citizens’ Bank on Highway 59 in Loxley, for the formal ground-breaking ceremony for the new Citizens’ Bank building.

The new building will be just over 4,000 square feet in size and constructed of red brick in a “traditional or colonial style,” according to bank president, Robert Gulledge.

The one-story structure will have three drive-up lanes and all the modern conveniences, including an open, spacious lobby, offices and a conference room. Four teller’s cages are planned.

In a brief speech given before a group of bank officers, board members and friends of the bank took up their golden shovels for the ground-breaking, Gulledge said, “This is a very exciting day.” He praised the town of Loxley, the bank’s board of directors and local citizens for their support of the new bank project.

Gulledge said the time has come to build a larger bank building in Loxley. The existing Loxley branch was purchased in 1981,

“We hear in banking circles, don’t put as much into brick and mortar but we want to be a full-service bank,” Gulledge said, adding, “Our loyal customers have made this possible. We’ve outgrown our facility here,” he said.

The new building will be just over 4,000 square feet in size and constructed of red brick in a traditional style. The one-story structure will have three drive-up lanes and all the modern conveniences, including an open, spacious lobby, offices and a conference room. Four teller’s cages are planned.

Pam Schaar, executive director of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce also welcomed guests to the ground-breaking ceremony. Schaar said Citizens’ Bank has always been very supportive of the CBCC and the community.

“Citizen’s Bank has always gone above and beyond, whether it is sponsorships or volunteers,” she said.

Design Build Concepts of Atlanta, which specializes in the design and construction management of financial facilities, was selected to provide architecture, interior design, and full time on-site, construction manager for the project.

Gulledge said local sub-contractors and local suppliers will provide the labor and building materials, through a competitive bid process, with the intent of keeping construction dollars in the community.

The new branch is expected to be open for business by the end of 2007.