Baylake to Purchase Sister Bay Trading Building

Baylake Bank CEO Rob Cera and Marilyn Jensen, owner of Sister Bay Trading Company, announce plans for Baylake Bank to purchase the Sister Bay Trading Company building at 2477 S. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay.

Baylake will move its current operations in Sister Bay from 2438 S. Bay Shore Drive to the new building after renovations. Sister Bay Trading Company will continue to occupy a portion of the building through completion of the project in 2016.

After a process of evaluating the need for updates and expansions, Baylake Bank Sister Bay Financial Center Manager Larry Gajda is happy to be relocating within the neighborhood, “In addition to the benefits of an updated facility, it was critical that we stayed convenient for our businesses and families. Another benefit is the entry point from Highland Road which will help when Highway 42 has increased seasonal traffic.”

Renovation will begin December and completion is expected by Memorial Day 2016.

Once renovation begins, Sister Bay Trading Company will continue to provide custom interior design in the rear of their current building. As soon as possible, they will move into their new permanent home on the east side of the building.

“We are committed to providing the same services for our clients,” said Marilyn Jensen. “We are looking to the future and the growth of electronic design services. We will offer all of our current products, only in a smaller footprint.

“Both Baylake Bank and Sister Bay Trading Company are reliable employers for Door County,” Jensen said. “Next summer, we celebrate our 30thanniversary. Change and adaptability are part of business success. Like Baylake Bank, we are excited about the future and focused on continuing our customer service for years to come.”

The remodeled facility will house all current Baylake Bank operations including full service personal and business banking and lending. A new full time home lending office and 24-hour drive thru ATM will be added to the facility. Rob Cera added, “It’s a win-win for us to partner with Marilyn to share in the unique design of the Sister Bay Trading Company building. After the remodel, the new Baylake Bank Financial Center will have modern amenities, while retaining its distinct Door County flavor.”

Baylake Bank has a long history with the Sister Bay community, dating back to the original Bank of Sturgeon Bay Sister Bay Station opened in 1948 at 421 Maple Drive. Needing to expand, a new office was built at 2438 S. Bay Shore Drive and the new Sister Bay Branch opened on Tuesday, November 9, 1971. In 1984, a 2,400 square foot addition was completed. In 1994, The Bank of Sturgeon Bay and The State Bank of Kewaunee merged under the Baylake Bank name. The Baylake Bank building at 2438 S. Bay Shore Drive will be available for sale after relocation.

Sister Bay Trading Company will continue operations at the store through renovations. Customers entering the parking lot should look to the rear of the building and watch for signage for entry doors.