American Bank & Trust completes major main street remodel: Renovations bring updated teller area, expanded offices, improved drive-up service and additional staff

Since American Bank & Trust purchased Valley Exchange Bank in 2023, they have been operating out of the same space.

In September 2025, they started construction on a remodel project for the bank building on Main Street. The construction made for some close quarters for employees and customers until construction was completed in April.

“It meant we were working out of the back location on the east side of the bank for roughly seven months. It was tight quarters,” said Bill Kuhl, market president. “The customers and employees had really good attitudes. They were excited to keep the bank on Main Street. They knew the cramped quarters were a temporary thing.”

With the remodel, there are a significant amount of changes. Originally, the teller area was on the south side of the bank. That area has now moved to the north side and includes a lower counter to better assist customers sitting down. 

The move of the teller area also helped with the drive-up. The drive-up used to be on the east side of the building and tellers would have to move from the teller area to the east end of the building to assist customers in the drive-up. The change of location for the drive-up and teller area helps with efficiency.

“That helps with the drive-up so we can service the customers in the drive-up better,” Kuhl said.

They also added an ATM in the drive-up so customers do not need to get out of their cars to get to the ATM.  The remodel also added more office spaces. Kuhl’s office moved from the northwest corner to the southeast.

Glass office walls lighten up the space.

“We do have more offices. The ag and commercial lending areas of the bank are on the south side, along with we have a couple of operations people that are also on the south side of the bank,” he said.

In addition to the teller area, the interior of bank includes four offices and a conference room.

With the extra space, they added a staff member to now include two operations employees instead of just one they had before the remodel.

From Main Street, they added a new sign and larger windows facing the street.

Kuhl said they have received a lot of positive feedback for keeping the bank on Main Street. He said the bank in reinvesting in the community.

“Customers have been very excited and have really enjoyed the improvements and all the upgrades,” Kuhl said. “We appreciate all the customers that have dealt with the construction.”