News Summary
Ameris Bank has opened a new branch in Downtown Jacksonville, marking a significant expansion of services and employment in the area. Located at 200 W. Forsyth St., the renovated branch began operations on June 9. The space includes facilities for retail and business banking, as well as mortgage lending. This opening has also created over 10 new jobs, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to enhance community banking experiences. The renovations cost around $502,970 and were managed by Choate Construction Co., showcasing a continued investment in downtown development.
Jacksonville Welcomes New Ameris Bank Branch
Jacksonville, FL – Ameris Bank has announced the opening of its new branch in Downtown Jacksonville at 200 W. Forsyth St. The branch began operations on June 9, 2025, and marks an important expansion of the bank’s services and employment in the area.
The renovated branch occupies a total space of 5,250 square feet and provides a range of banking services, including retail banking, business banking, and mortgage lending. The new location aims to enhance accessibility and responsiveness to both customers and community partners, reflecting the bank’s commitment to downtown development.
With the opening of this new branch, Ameris Bank has created jobs for more than 10 new employees, contributing to a workforce of over 330 employees in the metro Jacksonville area. This move aligns with the bank’s strategy to better serve the needs of the community and enhance banking experiences for its clients.
Branch Location and Renovation Details
The new branch is situated in the former Truist Tower, which has previously housed several banks. The property was initially developed in 1975 and stands at the intersection of Forsyth, Hogan, Bay, and Julia streets. Ameris Bank maintains another branch in Riverplace Tower on the Southbank, ensuring continued services across the river.
The city of Jacksonville issued a building permit on April 16, 2025, authorizing renovations to the site. The renovation project, which cost approximately $502,970, was managed by Choate Construction Co. from Atlanta. The work included the construction of a teller office, collaboration offices, and break room areas. Warner Summers, an architectural firm also based in Atlanta, was responsible for the design of the renovation.
Regulatory Approvals and Community Impact
In preparation for the new branch, the Jacksonville City Council passed an ordinance in March 2025 allowing Ameris Bank to secure an exception to the Downtown zoning codes, enabling the incorporation of a drive-thru service into the branch’s plans. This feature is expected to further enhance customer convenience and service accessibility.
Ameris Bank, which operates 20 branches throughout Baker, Clay, Duval, and St. Johns counties, is part of Ameris Bancorp headquartered in Atlanta. The bank manages approximately $26.5 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. It provides a variety of financial services, including traditional banking, lending products, treasury and cash management services, insurance premium financing, and mortgage and refinancing options.
Background on the Building and Previous Ownership
The building, previously known as Truist Tower, changed ownership when Ash Properties, a Jacksonville-based company, acquired it along with a parking garage for $24.47 million in July 2018. Following the acquisition, the space has been redeveloped to host Ameris Bank and to support the ongoing growth and transformation of Downtown Jacksonville.
As Ameris Bank continues to expand its presence and services in the Jacksonville area, it emphasizes a community-centric approach, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to the banking services they require.
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Additional Resources
- Business Wire: Ameris Bank Opens New Branch in Downtown Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Ameris Bank
- Jax Daily Record: Ameris Expands Across the River in Downtown Jacksonville
- Google Search: Ameris Bank Jacksonville
- Jacksonville Free Press: Ameris Bank Distributes Grant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Banking
- GuruFocus: Ameris Bank Opens New Branch
- Google News: Ameris Bank
- First Coast News: Ameris Bank Robbery
- Google Scholar: Ameris Bank
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
