New Main Street location builds on the bank’s regional headquarters investment and expands access to relationship-focused banking

New Main Street location builds on the bank’s regional headquarters investment and expands access to relationship-focused banking

Royal Oak, Mich. — Oct. 13, 2026 — First Merchants Bank is deepening its investment in Royal Oak with plans to open a new full-service banking center at 323 S. Main Street in the heart of downtown.

The approximately 2,525-square-foot location is three-tenths of a mile from the bank’s Michigan regional headquarters at 400 W. Fourth Street. Together, the two locations create a strong foundation for First Merchants to serve consumers, businesses and community organizations throughout Royal Oak and Southeast Michigan.

“Establishing our regional headquarters in Royal Oak was an investment in the future of our company, our customers and this community,” said Dan Ervin, Michigan President for First Merchants Bank. “This new banking center is a natural extension of that commitment. It gives us a visible, accessible place in downtown Royal Oak where people can meet with a banker, have meaningful conversations and receive financial guidance tailored to their goals.”

First Merchants signed a lease for the former Comerica and Fifth Third banking location on Sept. 14. The downtown storefront features two private offices, a conference room, a two-station teller area, lobby seating, a coffee station and a walk-up ATM. The opening date remains subject to occupancy confirmation and regulatory approval.

The new banking center will complement First Merchants’ nearby regional headquarters, which is home to 120 employees and provides mortgage, commercial banking, treasury management and lending expertise. The proximity of the two locations will allow local banking-center professionals and specialists across the organization to work together to support a broader range of customer needs.

“Relationship banking begins with listening and understanding what matters to each customer,” said Carrie Valek, President of Consumer Banking at First Merchants. “Our investment in Royal Oak brings together a convenient neighborhood banking center and the capabilities of our broader Michigan team. Customers will have a local point of contact who can connect them with the right expertise as their personal or business needs grow.”

The new location reflects First Merchants’ commitment to building lasting relationships rather than simply adding another banking facility. Local bankers will work with colleagues in consumer banking, commercial banking, mortgage, treasury management and wealth management to provide coordinated guidance and solutions.

Royal Oak’s walkable downtown and mix of residents, professionals and local businesses make it an important market for the bank’s continued Michigan growth. The regional headquarters provides a place to welcome clients, community partners and employees, including a flexible community room for internal and external groups. The new Main Street banking center will extend that presence directly into the downtown neighborhood.

Additional information about the banking center’s opening, leadership and community events will be announced as plans are finalized.

Visit the Royal Oak branch landing page for more information.

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About First Merchants Corporation:
With approximately $21.3 billion in assets, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through employee empowerment, philanthropy, charitable giving, financial wellness, and community home and business lending. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Time Magazine, American Banker, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/.