Centier Bank Expands Fort Wayne Presence, Renames Prominent Berry Street Location as 'Centier Bank Building'

FORT WAYNE, IND. – Michael E. Schrage, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Centier Bank, is delighted to announce the upcoming opening of a new Fort Wayne branch, located at 127 W. Berry St., formerly occupied by Star Financial, slated to open in Fall 2024.
 
Centier Bank entered the Greater Fort Wayne area in 2008, expanding its presence across Northern Indiana, including locations in South Bend, Plymouth, Goshen, and Elkhart. The bank opened a branch in Downtown Fort Wayne in 2020 across from the Allen County Courthouse. The current branch at 803 S. Calhoun St. is set to relocate to the new premises within the Centier Bank Building on Berry Street.

In 2023, Centier Bank announced substantial growth and expansion throughout its Indiana footprint, including in Fort Wayne. With the addition of new leaders, including Doug Wood, Fort Wayne Market President, and Scott Vermillion, Northeast Indiana Regional Sales Manager, Centier has strengthened its purpose-driven mission to not only enhance financial services but also to actively contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the Fort Wayne community.

“Centier emphasizes a commitment to exceptional customer service, innovation, and community engagement,” Wood said. “Over the past 15 years, Centier has supported Fort Wayne-area businesses and organizations through philanthropy and financial education outreach, as well as the personal touch that only a trusted community bank can provide. This growth reflects Centier Bank's robust financial strength and the unwavering trust of its valued clients, ensuring the continued delivery of exceptional banking services to communities.”

Closer to the opening date, passersby can spot Centier Bank’s signature “Big Blue Bow” adorning the building, now called the Centier Bank Building, to celebrate the grand opening and investment in the Fort Wayne community.

The new 13,500 sq.-ft. branch will undergo the largest interior renovation in Centier’s history, as the bank partners with local architect, Design Collaborative, and construction manager, Michael Kinder & Sons. The new branch will feature convenient drive-through lanes and a drive-up ATM, a night deposit box, customer parking, teller stations, and a self-service coin machine inside the lobby. Wood expressed that this will be the largest Centier Bank branch in the bank’s history.

“We take pride in expanding our capacity and footprint in downtown Fort Wayne, a testament to our unwavering belief in the city's thriving potential,” Schrage expressed. “Centier Bank, as a private, family-owned institution, is excited about ongoing investments, reflecting our commitment to the community's prosperity. As we explore potential new branches, our sustained growth and the development of strong customer relationships further emphasize our dedication to fortifying our presence in the region."

For the past six years, Forbes has ranked Centier on the Indiana Best-in-State Banks list, while The Indiana Chamber also recognized Centier Bank at its annual Best Places to Work Awards for the 18th consecutive year. In the summer, the Indianapolis Business Journal named Schrage as one of Indiana’s Most Influential Leaders, and the Indiana Bankers Association presented him with the Leaders in Banking Excellence Award, the organization’s highest distinguished honor.