BY EILEEN PERSIKE
Editor
Demolition is underway at the site of Nicolet National Bank on Lincoln Street in Rhinelander to make way for what the company has called a “bank of the future.”

“We’ll have all new technology,” said branch manager Amy Vanney. “The design will be an open concept, with each teller having his or her own ‘pod,’ rather than a row of tellers behind a counter.”

Additional changes will take place in the future, which Vanney said will allow customers extended access to the branch without having to increase staff. The square footage of the new bank will be the same as it is now, without the rental space in the current structure.

The existing building, which was built in the early 80s, will be razed. In the meantime, the bank is fully operational in a temporary office on site. Vanney said the project cost will be $1.5 million, with construction to be complete in June or July.

“It shows we believe in the community,” Vanney said. “It’s an investment in our customers and our staff. We’re very excited – it’s like going on an adventure.”

Vanney said they donated whatever they could from the old bank; countertops, desks, tables and chairs have been donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the YMCA of the Northwoods, and plants were taken to Rennes Health and Rehab.

Nicolet National Bank has been in Rhinelander since 2013, when it purchased Mid-Wisconsin Bank.