While development is a bit slower than usual in Bridgeport, a new business is set to open its doors this fall and has invested nearly $1 million in its buildout.

 

Merrill, formerly known as Merrill Lynch and now a Bank of America Company, is coming to the Market Place at Bridgeport, which is just off Jerry Dove Drive right past the main entrance to White Oaks.

 

According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr, they did a $860,000 buildout of the two-story building that also is home to Percheron at the development. Kerr broke the good news at a recent meeting of the Bridgeport Development Authority.

 

“They took their time on this buildout and have really put some blood, sweat and tears into it to make it how they want it to be,” said Kerr. “We’ve worked well with them for the last few months and this project would likely have been complete. COVID put a damper on their plans as this started way before everything was shutting down in March.”

 

David Jackson, the branch manager for the office that will serve clients in North Central West Virginia, the rest of the state and beyond, said the planning goes back way before that time frame.

 

“This did start prior to COVID, but the planning goes back a year and a half to two years ago,” said Jackson. “We’re excited to be at the point we’re at right now.”

 

The point Merrill is at now, according to Jackson on Wednesday, is to “be in the building in 30 to 45 days.” The office currently is situated on Tolley Drive and will soon transition into their new Bridgeport site.

 

“From a business standpoint, it’s an ideal location for us. It’s a little easier drive for some to get to us, and we chose the location after looking in multiple areas,” said Jackson. “We considered a move even into Monongalia County before deciding to open an office there.”

 

Once open, Jackson said the company will likely continue operating as it has since the pandemic has took place. He said there will likely be two individuals in the office at any given time.

 

The office consists of six financial advisors and two assistants. That total includes Jackson. He said the space was done to allow for growth.

 

“There is definitely room for expansion. We didn’t want to build it and two years from now be over capacity,” said Jackson.

 

Jackson said Bank of America is investing capital in resources in markets where they are growing. He said this office is proof of that strategy.

 

“The see this area as a growth area at this point,” said Jackson.

 

This will not be the first move of Merrill’s office that is situated on Tolley Drive. Jackson said the business has been at that location since 1998 and prior to that in downtown Clarksburg. He said the former Merrill Lynch has had a presence in Harrison County for at least 40 years.

 

During the move to the new site, Jackson said people will come in and pack files and boxes on a rotating schedule like the staffing that is done for those not working remotely. He said to ensure safety deep cleaning will be done between shifts.

 

Kerr said this is more good work done by Metro Property Management, the developers of the Market Place.

 

“They have worked hard to fill the spaces at the development, and this is another really nice addition,” said Kerr. “They have been able to find new clients at the same time they’re landing new clients at developments in Morgantown and at the Middletown Commons, among others.”

 

The new address will be 2000 Jerry Dove Drive. The current address if 104 Tolley Drive and the phone numbers is 304-848-1000 if anyone has financial questions. Merrill is an investment management company.

 

The business will occupy 3,603 square feet. Project Expediters out of New Jersey is handling the consulting on the new buildout. Potter Construction Services is the contractor.