New Community Bank Facility Planned in Parkersburg
PARKERSBURG – As WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center prepares for expansion, a local bank is set to establish a new branch downtown at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Avery Street. Lindsey Pearsall, the executive director of the Parkersburg-Wood County Regional Development Corporation, shared that this full-service location will be just a few blocks from the current bank’s place in downtown Parkersburg. This shift is necessary to support the hospital’s growing medical facilities and the increasing needs of the community bank’s staff and services. However, the move is contingent upon regulatory approval.
“We are proud to support Community Bank’s continued investment in downtown Parkersburg through the construction of a new financial hub,” Pearsall remarked. “This project emphasizes our confidence in the community, enhances downtown vitality, and offers an improved banking experience for residents and businesses. We’re grateful for Community Bank’s dedication to Parkersburg, and we anticipate the positive economic influence of this investment moving forward.”
The new Community Bank site will be located across from Leavitt Funeral Home, adjacent to Zion Baptist Church. Recently, WVU Medicine announced plans for a new five-story East Tower, spanning 138,800 square feet, which will include additional operating rooms for various medical needs, like obstetrics. The project will also add 450 parking spaces. Camden Clark leaders indicated the total investment for this endeavor is around $150 million, with efforts to raise about $15 million in philanthropic support.
Sean Smith, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, noted that such a significant project relies on robust regional partnerships and a shared healthcare vision. “We are extremely thankful for the collaboration and backing of Community Bank and the City of Parkersburg,” he stated. “Their commitment to the East Tower expansion highlights a mutual pledge to the growth of downtown Parkersburg. This partnership not only signifies growth for our medical campus but also illustrates a joint investment in the long-term health and vibrancy of our community.”
Community Bank President and CEO Susan Barber expressed that the new location will uniquely benefit the community by enhancing healthcare access while simultaneously offering a complete suite of banking services in a modern, convenient setting. The construction of this new 22,000 square foot bank is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027. “We see this project as a strategic move that will support our growth, help us attract and keep talent, and improve customer experience—all while staying true to our community banking model,” Barber added.
