For nearly a century, the northeast corner of Court Square in Huntingdon has been home to a building and business that has weathered mergers, remodels, and even fire, and soon, FirstBank (formerly Bank of Huntingdon) will come down, as plans move forward with a complete demolition and rebuild.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Braden Maddox, FirstBank Market President for Huntingdon. “Our architectural and construction teams discovered significant structural damage to the building beyond safe repair.”
Maddox said the branch was originally scheduled for remodel, but “after careful evaluation, we determined that the best course of action was to remove the existing structure and build a brand-new branch in its place.”
“The structural issues [the engineers] found are not unlike other large buildings in downtown Huntingdon,” Maddox added.
Architectural renderings released by the bank show a new building that they say will “blend historic charm with modern design”.
According to Maddox, the new branch will feature updated service areas and will also see the return of a walk-up ATM.
“We haven’t had the walk-up ATM in several years,” he said.
Maddox mentioned that architects took design elements for the new branch from other buildings around Court Square.
“It was important to them to maintain a sense of continuity with the rest of downtown’s architecture,” he explained.
Construction timelines show that the new branch will open in the third quarter of 2026, weather permitting.
In the meantime, FirstBank is serving customers at its Northside and East End branches, along with a temporary service office at the FirstBank Activities Building.
“We’re excited to bring this new branch to life and continue serving [customers] right here on Main Street,” Maddox said. “We can’t wait to welcome you to our new home in 2026!”
History of the FirstBank Building
Maddox, along with Johnny Beth Nolan of Huntingdon, TN Historical Society, shared historical information about the building and bank with Carroll County Observer.
The Bank of Huntingdon was established in 1887, when 42 stockholders subscribed to 250 shares of stock at $100 each.
Its first location was in the Murray Building on the northwest corner of the square, before later moving into what is now the Maddox Law Office.
In March of 1933, during the Great Depression, the Bank of Huntingdon merged with Farmers State Bank.
With the merger, operations shifted into the Johnson Building on the northeast corner of the square. That is the same site FirstBank occupies today.
The Johnson Building had previously housed both Farmers State Bank and Citizens Bank, as well as other small businesses. Its third floor was destroyed by fire in the early 1930s, believed to be arson, and only the two lower floors and basement were restored.
In 1981, the bank expanded again and annexed the former Carter’s Hardware building next door, which added space to their building on the square. That was the last time the building underwent any sort of remodel.
In January 2001, the Bank of Huntingdon formally merged with FirstBank, and continued to operate under the new name.
It is currently the oldest bank and longest-running business on Court Square.
The history of the institution ties closely to Market President Maddox. His father, attorney Butch Maddox, practices at Maddox Law Office in the very building that once served as one of the earliest homes of the Bank of Huntingdon.
Maddox said FirstBank is mindful of the bank’s long history in Huntingdon.
“The new design will honor that legacy while giving us the facilities we need to serve customers for the future,” he said.
Maddox said demolition will commence shortly after all customers clear their safety deposit boxes.
