Mayor Johnson joined local leaders on September 30 to celebrate the historic neighborhood banking center, expanded opportunities for businesses and families, and a new public-art landmark.
CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Business Chicago – Millennium Bank has officially opened its newly renovated Bridgeport banking center, marking a new chapter for a neighborhood financial institution whose roots date to 1890.
Following its January 2025 acquisition of Pulaski Savings Bank, Millennium Bank invested in the historic property at 3156 S. Morgan Street, rebuilt branch operations and expanded its presence in Chicago. The minority-owned bank now serves approximately 1,000 neighborhood customers and is growing its relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs and families.
The bank celebrated the opening on September 30 with a community event and ribbon-cutting attended by Mayor Brandon Johnson, 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee, Cook County Commissioner John Daley and State Rep. Theresa Mah.
A centerpiece of the reopening is a new 120-foot exterior mural by Chicago artist Jeff Zimmerman, commissioned by Millennium Bank to celebrate Bridgeport’s history, character and community. Unveiled during the celebration, the mural creates a striking new visual landmark at 32nd and Morgan streets and reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in the neighborhood it serves.
“We are incredibly proud to officially reopen this branch and begin this next chapter in Bridgeport and Chicago,” said Himal Agarwal, Vice Chairman of Millennium Bank. “Successful banking is about more than financial services. It is about building relationships, supporting entrepreneurs and investing in communities. We are honored to carry this location’s legacy forward while bringing the resources and growth of Millennium Bank to Chicago.”
Pulaski Savings Bank operated in Bridgeport since 1890 before the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation closed it. Millennium Bank subsequently acquired the institution, preserving a neighborhood banking presence while establishing a meaningful physical foothold in the city.
Bringing a Growing Minority-Owned Bank to Chicago
Founded in 2007, Millennium Bank has grown to nearly $1 billion in assets and has become one of Illinois’ leading Small Business Administration lenders. Over the past decade, the bank has funded approximately $350 million in SBA loans, with a significant focus on minority business owners and real estate developers. Its core lending areas include hospitality, commercial real estate, and multifamily housing.
Millennium Bank is one of only six minority-owned banks in Illinois and has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business among the 25 largest banks serving Chicago. The Bridgeport location expands the bank’s ability to provide relationship banking and access to capital for Chicago businesses, entrepreneurs, and families.
What They’re Saying: Chicago Leaders Welcome Millennium Bank to Bridgeport
- “Strong neighborhoods are built on strong local businesses, and those businesses need access to capital and financial partners who believe in their potential,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Millennium Bank’s investment in this historic Bridgeport location is an important commitment to the neighborhood’s future, supporting local entrepreneurs, expanding access to financial services and creating new opportunities for residents, families and businesses.”
- “Bridgeport is a proud, diverse community with a rich history, strong culture and generations of locally owned businesses,” said 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee. “We’re excited to welcome a minority-owned bank that is investing in our neighborhood and committed to helping local businesses and families build long-term success. Millennium Bank has already demonstrated that commitment through its beautiful community mural, which is generating buzz throughout the neighborhood.”
- “Millennium Bank’s investment in Bridgeport is exactly the kind of business decision we track at World Business Chicago through our Pro-Chicagoland Decisions initiative,” said Phil Clement, President and CEO of World Business Chicago. “From major corporate expansions to neighborhood investments, these decisions reflect businesses choosing to grow in Chicago, create opportunity, and strengthen our communities. We congratulate everyone at Millennium Bank on the opening of their new banking center and applaud their commitment to Bridgeport’s future, beautifully reflected in this remarkable new mural.”
- “This is an important moment for Millennium Bank because it allows us to establish a meaningful physical presence in Chicago while staying true to who we are as a bank,” said Samir Mayekar, Millennium Bank board member and Managing Director of the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, who previously served as Chicago’s Deputy Mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development.
- “Millennium Bank has been an incredible partner to Chicago Cut,” said Matt Moore, owner of Chicago Cut Steakhouse. “When we undertook a major expansion and renovated our bar, they worked with us to create financing that truly fit our business. Their team understands what it takes to grow, and we’re excited that their new Chicago location will make an already strong relationship even stronger.”
About Millennium Bank
Founded in 2007, Millennium Bank is a minority-owned community bank headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, with a growing presence across the Chicago area. With nearly $1 billion in assets, the bank provides financial services to businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals and communities throughout the region. Its growth is rooted in relationship banking, community investment and supporting the businesses and people that drive local economies.
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SOURCE World Business Chicago
