Downtown Commerce Bank building to be purchased and renovated by Craig Realty Group
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A historic Downtown building and longtime bank isn't going to sit vacant for long once Commerce Bank departs this December.
Craig Realty Group is currently in the process of completing the purchase of the Downtown Commerce Bank building located at 328 Felix Street.
The development comes after Commerce Bank announced in August that it would be closing the branch effective Dec. 12.
The building has been operated by the bank since 1985, when it acquired First National Bank of St. Joseph from the FDIC. The building has stood in Downtown St. Joseph for more than a century.
"This building is on one of the most significant buildings, architecturally, in the city of St. Joseph. My first priority is preserving the long-term integrity of the structure for future generations," Craig Realty President and CEO Steve Craig said.
He said a complete roof replacement will be on tap first, along with repairs to roof parapet walls, part of a much-needed list of deferred maintenance.
In the second quarter of 2026, the exterior stone walls of the building will undergo a deep cleaning.
To prevent break-ins and protect the interior from vandalism, he said a professional company will be tasked with covering the windows with plywood. However, plywood will be covered with Downtown-centric photographs to avoid the appearance of a boarded-up building.
