Andover Business - Butler Bank
Butler Bank is a community bank that specializes in residential construction and mortgage lending. It was founded in 1901 by the Pearson Family. Butler Bank bought a 1/2 acre piece of property at 16 North Main Street in March of 2006. The space was previously occupied by Friendly's Restaurant since June 1, 1965. It closed on Christmas Eve of 2005 and the property was quickly sold to Butler Bank for a total of $1.45 million.
Upon purchasing the property, Butler Bank announced plans to build a 12,000-square-foot bank branch and retail center. They also sought a special permit that would allow them to include a 20-seat restaurant in the building. The plans included 38 parking spaces, but for a 20-seat restaurant, the total number of parking spaces would need to be increased to a minimum of 41. A special permit can sometimes be granted by town officials if the owners of the property (Butler Bank) agree to construct a paved walkway to the location, which would presumably decrease the need for parking spaces. The walkway would cross Pearson Street, which is named for the bank's founding family.
Friendly's was torn down on September 6, 2006. Construction for Butler Bank began in October, 2006. This location is Butler Bank's fourth branch. The bank includes a drive-up teller and ATM. It had its official opening on May 24, 2007. At that time, two other tenants opened their doors as well: John J. Drago, CPA and Doherty Law Offices. Drago has moved to this location from 10 High Street in Andover. This is the second branch location for Doherty.
During the summer of 2007, Butler Bank held a competition in the community to help name their new lion mascot. The winning name was Benji Butler, which was suggested by 11-year-old Lowell resident Sarah Comtois. Benji Butler was named after the famous Civil War general and Massachusetts senator Benjamin Butler.
In April of 2008, the Butler Bank located in Andover held a reception to promote the commissioned artwork of local artist Mark Spencer of Carriage House Portraits. Spencer completed two murals for the Butler Bank. One is of the Phillips Academy campus and the other is of The Park. The Bank also had prints made of the two murals and will be selling them to the public. All proceeds will be given to local charities and non-profit organizations.
Another tenant opened in the Butler Bank building on April 26, 2008. The restaurant, Boston King Cafe, is owned by Sun Son.
See
- "Friendly's for sale", The Andover Townsman, January 5, 2006.
- "Friendly's not so friendly to town", The Eagle Tribune, January 26, 2006.
- "Friendly's sold, details of buyer not yet released", The Andover Townsman, January 26, 2006.
- "Plans for Friendly's site could include new restaurant", The Eagle Tribune, July 26, 2006.
- "Friendly's soon to be flattened", The Eagle Tribune, August 1, 2006.
- "Town wants details on bank's request for parking waiver", The Eagle Tribune, September 14, 2006.
- "Rocky road", The Andover Townsman, September 14, 2006.
- "Butler Bank building will also include take-out restaurant", The Eagle Tribune, October 26, 2006.
- "Butler Bank, tenants celebrate opening day", The Andover Townsman, May 24, 2007.
- The Andover Townsman, September 6, 2007.
- "A picture of charity", The Eagle Tribune, April 11, 2008.
- "New cafe has opened", The Andover Townsman, May 1, 2008.
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--Jen 15:33, August 25, 2010 (EST)