Leechburg mayor hopes former bank drive-thru location gets a new owner

A historic former bank building in Leechburg is for sale.

The former drive-thru location of First Commonwealth Bank, at 200 Market St., was listed for $55,000 several months ago.

Two First Commonwealth bank locations in Leechburg closed in December, the result of an increase in online banking and continuing challenges from the coronavirus pandemic.

The borough has one remaining bank, Nextier Bank at 160 Market St.

According to the Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society, the three-story First Commonwealth property dates to 1893. It was built to be the new location for a drug store owned by J.H. Parks.

“The building is a fine example of Queen Anne architecture even after being modified by the bank, which also added a drive-thru,” said historical society president Larry Boehm. “I think it’s a great location for a drive-thru coffee shop or even ice cream.

“I would hate to see it torn down. Someone with a vision beyond a parking lot needs to take control of it.”

The property features more than 8,000 square feet of space. It features the original baseboards, rosette casings around doorways and high ceilings.

Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos said the former drive-thru building needs work.

“It’s a historic building, and the upstairs is in a state of disrepair,” Dobos said. “The main room has 9-feet-high pocket doors and a curved glass window.”

All furniture and filing cabinets are included in the sale.

Armstrong County property tax records list the 2019 taxes at $4,273.

Jonathan Longwill, vice president of media relations, confirmed both buildings are owned by First Commonwealth.

He said the fate of the main bank location is unclear.

“We continue to work with local officials to find a use for that building that is best for the community,” Longwill said.

The Leechburg branches were among a handful of First Commonwealth Bank closings in the region.

Among the 28 branches in Western Pennsylvania branches that closed in December were the ones in Tarentum, Buffalo Township, Pine Township and McKeesport, as well as locations in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. The branch at SouthSide Works is closing March 19.