Sean Smith

PARKERSBURG – As the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is looking to expand, a local bank will be building a new downtown location at 8th and Avery Street to help accommodate the hospital’s expansion.

Lindsey Piersol, executive director of the Parkersburg-Wood County Area Development Corporation, has announced the construction of Community Bank’s future downtown full-service location at the corner of 8th and Avery Street, just a few blocks from the Bank’s current location in downtown Parkersburg, according to a press release from Community Bank.

The move was precipitated by the need for WVU Camden Clark Medical Center to expand its downtown Parkersburg medical facility and the need for Community Bank to accommodate its growth in staff and services. The move is subject to regulatory approval.

“We’re proud to support continued investment in downtown Parkersburg through the construction of a new financial location for Community Bank,” Piersol said. “This project represents confidence in our community, strengthens the vitality of our downtown district and creates an enhanced banking experience for residents and businesses alike.

“We appreciate Community Bank’s commitment to Parkersburg and look forward to the positive economic impact this investment will have for years to come.”

A rendering of the new Community Bank facility being planned for the corner of 8th and Avery Street. The facility is being built to allow Camden Clark the space to build its planned East Tower project at a site that includes where Community Bank is currently. The new Community Bank building is expected to be built by the end of 2027. (Photo provided)

The new site for Community Bank will be across from Leavitt Funeral Home and in a lot beside Zion Baptist Church.

WVU Medicine officials announced last month they are creating the new East Tower, a five-floor (with four floors that can be occupied) 138,800-square-foot facility that will include four additional surgical suites; a proposed women’s and children’s floor offering private labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum rooms, along with two dedicated operating rooms for cesarean sections onsite; and 450 additional parking spaces.

The total project will be a $150 million investment and the hospital is looking at raising around $15 million from philanthropic efforts to help finance the project, Camden Clark officials said.

Projects of this magnitude only become possible through strong community partnerships and a shared vision for the future of healthcare in the region, said Sean Smith, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center.

“We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration and support of Community Bank and the City of Parkersburg throughout this process,” he said. “Their willingness to work alongside us as we plan for the future expansion of our East Tower demonstrates a collective commitment to growth in downtown Parkersburg for both Community Bank and WVU Medicine Camden Clark.

“This partnership represents more than growth for our medical campus — it reflects a shared investment in the long-term health and vitality of our community.”

The new Community Bank location will deliver dual benefits for our community by expanding healthcare access and delivering complete banking services in an innovative and convenient environment, said Susan Barber, president and CEO for Community Bank.

Construction of the new 22,000-sq-ft Community Bank location is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.

“We view this project as a strategic investment designed to support future growth, strengthen our ability to attract and retain talent and enhance the experience for our customers while preserving the community banking model that defines us,” Barber said.