Heartland Bank proposes drive-thru bank at 1330 Grove Street in DeKalb

A new drive-thru bank is set to transform a former post office site in DeKalb, as the City Council approved plans for Heartland Bank's latest location at 1330 Grove Street. The proposal, discussed during the Planning and Zoning Meeting on July 7, 2025, aims to enhance community banking services with improved accessibility and visibility.

Heartland Bank representatives emphasized the importance of the drive-thru feature, which is designed to better serve customers in the area. The new facility will replace the old community center that was demolished a few years ago, marking a significant upgrade for the south side of DeKalb. The bank's layout includes two access points: one off Grove Street and another from Route 23 South Fourth Street, ensuring smooth traffic flow.

City officials noted that the site is zoned for central business use, allowing for flexible building and parking arrangements. The landscaping plan promises to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, with ample greenery included in the design. The bank will feature a 2,100 square foot building with ten parking spaces and an ATM lane, ensuring that customer needs are met without disrupting local traffic.

Concerns were raised about the shared use of an alley for access, but city officials assured that the alley is not heavily trafficked, minimizing potential conflicts. Improvements to the alley are also on the table, with discussions about paving and resurfacing to enhance safety and accessibility.

The approval of this drive-thru bank marks a positive step for DeKalb, promising to bring better banking services to the community while revitalizing a previously underutilized site. The project is expected to move forward swiftly, with construction plans already in place.