(West Plains, MO) Local drivers and banking customers have likely noticed a flurry of construction activity on Porter Wagner Boulevard. West Plains Bank & Trust Company is currently executing a comprehensive renovation of its North Branch, aimed at modernizing the facility and dramatically improving customer access.
David M. Gohn, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Plains Bank & Trust Company, sat down with Jim Lambert of News Team 7 to break down the details of the project, explaining that the upgrades are a response to a great problem to have: outgrowing their space.
“We’ve outgrown our space, so we’re expanding a little bit,” Gohn said. “Where our front door and main entrance was, we are going to expand that out and add more office space. We’ll have more room to open accounts and do more banking.”
Modernizing an 80s Classic
Originally built as a “1980 model,” the North Branch has only seen one major addition since its construction—a south-side expansion in the mid-1990s. With several decades of wear and changing consumer habits, bank leadership decided that the structural expansion was the perfect opportunity to address long-standing functional issues, particularly regarding vehicle access.
One of the most noticeable and beneficial changes for customers will be to the drive-through. Vehicles have grown significantly larger since 1980, making the original drive-through lanes a tight fit for modern full-sized trucks and SUVs.
To resolve this, the bank is widening the existing drive-through lanes to give larger vehicles more breathing room. Furthermore, the far north lanes—where the old ATM used to sit—are being combined into a single, extra-wide lane designed specifically to accommodate drivers pulling trailers.
Open for Business During Construction
While the building currently sports a missing front entrance, construction barriers, and heavy machinery, Gohn emphasized that the branch remains fully operational.
“We are open during construction,” Gohn stated. “It may look uninviting, but we are open.”
Because the main lobby entrance is currently under construction, the bank has temporarily shifted its lobby access. Customers can enter the building through the south side—the side closest to the old Imperial Bowling Alley.
The drive-through lanes will also remain open Monday through Saturday, though the bank will rotate lane closures as crews work to widen them. Navigational signs will clearly mark which lanes are open on any given day. Due to the heavy construction, the branch’s main indoor lobby will be closed on Saturdays during this period.
Parking Lot and ATM Upgrades
Beyond the building itself, the surrounding property is getting a complete overhaul to solve infrastructure issues. Over the last 46 years, the parking lot has accumulated layer upon layer of asphalt, leading to serious water drainage issues. The bank is tearing the lot down to its base and completely rebuilding it in three distinct phases (south, middle, and north) to ensure at least two-thirds of the lot remains available for parking at all times.
Additionally, the branch’s ATM has been relocated to the south side of the building. Nestled under a large, vibrant purple canopy, the new 24/7 ATM is fully accessible and updated to serve customers continuously throughout the remodel.
For residents on the other side of town, Gohn also highlighted the bank’s newly added ATM located off Preacher Roe Boulevard (Route 160) near the old Skateland property.
While the construction will cause some temporary shifts in daily routines, the bank promises a much smoother, more accessible, and spacious layout once the final phases wrap up.
