Evans National Bank
It wasn’t long ago that we saw Bank of America relocate onto Elmwood Avenue – a two-storey brick structure with opaque windows on the first floor and glowing red windows on the second. Last evening we biked past the latest financial addition to Elmwood. All along I had thought that I might not like the Evans National Bank final product. After seeing it all lit up, I must say that it makes a statement. Instead of seeing the former brick wall on Delevan, there is now a glowing, well-lit, landscaped façade. The entranceway looks very inviting and there’s even a Buffalo bike rack for cyclists.
I stuck my nose up to the window to get a glimpse of the interior and was surprised to see an open, cheerful, modernistic design inside. As a matter of fact, if I didn’t know better, I would have thought that I was peering into a new restaurant. There was a small lounge area with counters that could have doubled as wine stations – very interesting. Being able to view into the interior of the bank made it appear very inviting. Even though I wasn’t originally overjoyed to hear that another bank was moving onto the avenue, Evans National Bank is a welcome addition to the Elmwood Village.
The bank's second branch in the city is located at the former ETS spot, 925 Elmwood Avenue at W. Delevan.
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Comment Options
sonyactivision
It's beautiful, especially for a bank. That warm, glowing interior will be most welcome in Winter. Well done!
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BuFfStAtE_StUdEnT2011
Thank god businesses that are moving/opening to Elmwood are finally respecting the appeal of the surrounding neighborhood! Now some one please buy that old KFC and do something nice like Evans did with this place...
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sbrof
Is that the Elmwood or Delavan facade? Either way it looks very nice.
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Auburner
ugh and yawn, banks and phamacies are the scuge of other cities, yet Buffalo finds a way to celebrate and embrace them. They are litter makers... I think a mighty taco would be better than a bank!
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livesintheburbsworksinthecity
Please explain why banks are the "scuge" of other cities?
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hamp
I don't know if banks are the "scurge" of other ciites, but too many banks can detract from the vitality of a street.
Streets need to attract users at all times of the day and night. Banks close early, meaning that they are dead spots at night and on weekends.
For this reason, churches, medical offices, funeral parlors, etc detract from commercial/shopping districts.
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sweeper
Heaven forbid there's a bank located close to residential neighborhoods. How dare they attempt to make things convinent for their customers! Or maybe the building could have just sat vacant for months to keep you happy.
I'm sure there will be an ATM at the site to keep the people spending their cash locally in this neighborhood (I live around the corner on Lafayette). If there's one thing that I've noticed keeps people from spending money is the lack of ability to access it.
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al-alo
banks - so bland. so pedestrian. so unhip.
I banish thee! and take the hardware stores, butchers, pharmacies, and like ilk with you!!!
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GDF81
I agree that the bank is a positive step from some vacant space (eyesore worthy), Does anyone ever notice how bad the smell is in (like a sewage smell) the area going down Delevan next to the bank, I noticed it a few times and dismissed it but its every time now! I am not sure what is going on but i think during the work process they screwed something up at the location. Aside from that its great! I live around the corner and just love the lighted side walk now. We all have to admit that this an obvious step up esp when you have that hell hole gas station across street creating shitty curb appeal - to bad it wasnt Mand T or something that most of us use!! lol does evan's have customers in the city??
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Dave
Buffstate_student: As far as the KFC on Bryant and Elmwood goes, I received a notice of public hearing Friday that says Frizlen Architects wants to “construct a 4,500sf three story mixed use building with 12 apartments on the upper floors and first floor retail with 9 parking spaces” @448 Elmwood. I’m all for something new on that corner, but I just hope it’s not the same old dated designs Frizlen always does.
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heathersmiles
We should all be thankful that they installed a beautiful bike rack outside, and it is built to the curb too! I only wish that it was mixed-use residential to complete the hit trick. Time to reset the wickets and try again with the next project.
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gaustad
nice bank, looks like Buffalo is starting to catch on that the 80's look is out....
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GDC
Wow, that's one funky design, kind of looks like a Spa.
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Sullymon54
really cool design, good for evans showing up the big guys
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BuFfStAtE_StUdEnT2011
Thanks Dave! I see WCP put up a story about that today too
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mepolo
Yeah!!! Fantastic design......I agree....it does look like a great lounge...not a bank. I'm looking forward to being able to bank in the city. Yes....GDF81, Evans does have some customers that bank in the city, although our relationships w/the bank started in our home town. :-) @Gaustad...that's the second positive comment I've read today from you...must be enjoying this beautiful weekend....huh? Glad to see it! ;-)
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dagner
Hardware stores can be catalysts for neighborhood revitalization. An Ace hardware store wedged into an existing brick building at Clark & Diversey in Chicago was the hub of that most successful neighborhood. (I understand it has since moved up Clark). Modern "life in a shoebox" home furnishings were featured, with hardware relegated to the basement space. It was THE reason people traveled to this walkable commercial district and spent their money on additional things: shoes, lunch, jewelry, etc.
I've always thought EVA should approach Ace about opening a similar one on Elmwood.
BTW, to attract this working professional (read: much disposable income) population, BANKS there would stay open both Saturday and Sunday, and late (8pm) on weekdays . So they can be part of the after-work-hours activity of a flourishing neighborhood.
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skarnath
We live 2 blocks away. We refinanced a few months ago, and after a lot of research and six written offers, we chose Evans. Interest rate was as low (or lower) than other lenders, and their closing costs were the most reasonable. It took a week to get a commitment, and a month to close. Superb customer relations. My wife already had a checking account with them but their only other city location is Delaware Ave (near Kenmore). We're thrilled they put their second city branch on Elmwood/Delevan.
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Brett
Just opened a business money market account there after checking rates at every area bank. Evans was the best, and the customer service I received there was second to none. We now keep all of our money in Evans and First Niagara Bank and couldn't be happier with the service and terms. Small banks are the way to go in my opinion.
As for the hardware store conversation, I was forced up to Valu Home Center for a few small items that I gladly would have paid a little more for at a local hardware store. I would really like to see a smaller hardware store open up somewhere on Elmwood.
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rheumpa
Drew's Tru Value is a small hardware store on Deleware, I love it there.
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