Johnson Financial Group plans new branches, including in West Milwaukee

A new Johnson Financial Group office planned in West Milwaukee is part of a growth strategy that includes more branches.

Racine-based Johnson Financial has proposed a new branch at 4319 W. National Ave., which would be about 4,500 square feet and would include a drive-thru. The business already serves West Milwaukee with a mortgage loan office at 1310 Miller Park Way. The new office would help Johnson Financial expand its banking, wealth and insurance services in the area, said Al Araque, the firm’s director of consumer, private and small business banking.

In emailed remarks, Araque said Johnson Financial is in the process of “reimagining the consumer branch experience.” That will include investing in renovations of existing offices, relocating offices and building new locations.

In addition to the new West Milwaukee branch, Johnson Financial also is building a new Delafield office, which is under construction. The branch at 2675 Sun Valley Drive is expected to open in the fall, Araque said.

Johnson Financial also is renovating its office in Mequon at 1555 W. Mequon Road. That project is expected to be complete this summer. Among the new features of the office is a “cash bar” that replaces traditional teller windows. Araque said the amenity would offer customers faster and more convenient service. Customers also can expect a new refreshment area, free Wi-Fi and an enhanced ATM.

“We are and will always be a face-to-face business, while working to continually evolve so we can connect with our clients where they are – whether that’s digitally, on social or in person,” Araque said.

Johnson Financial Group’s companies include Johnson Bank, Johnson Wealth Inc. and Johnson Insurance Services. Business Journal research shows Johnson Bank is one of the largest banks in southeast Wisconsin when ranked by deposit market share. The firm recently established a new flagship office in downtown Milwaukee at 555 E. Wells St.

The branch expansion comes as banks overall are shrinking their physical footprints, which depositories say is a reflection of how customers are banking. Chase Bank also is growing its local branch network, with multiple new offices planned in the region.

As seen in Milwaukee Business Journal