Bank of America plans upgrades for River Rd. Bethesda branch

The Bank of America branch at 5135 River Road in Bethesda underwent a major renovation just a couple of years ago. It was so extensive, it actually required the bank to entirely close for an extended period. But with a seemingly-endless supply of new banks opening in Bethesda, bankers have never had to compete for clientele more aggressively. That pressure has led to Bank of America planning a new set of upgrades at their River Road branch.

Changes will include a new ATM, all-new interior finishes, new lighting fixtures and furniture, and a reconfigured teller counter. Bank of America says it plans to spend $130,000 on the branch update, but there is no word as of yet regarding any impact on banking hours in the months ahead. Stay tuned.

Bank of America abandons ship at doomed Bethesda building

Bank of America has closed its branch at 7316 Wisconsin Avenue. The office building it was located in will demolished, and the property redeveloped as Metro Tower by B.F. Saul. Bank of America has relocated this branch to 6822 Wisconsin Avenue. Trash is piling up inside and outside the bank.

New Bank of America branch to open on Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Bethesda

Bank of America will open a new branch at 6822-6824 Wisconsin Avenue, in the ground floor of the Adagio condominiums. The branch will also offer Merrill Edge investment and planning services by Merrill Lynch. This space was previously occupied by a mattress store.