Just a year after launching a major rebuilding project, Blackhawk Bank & Trust reopened its Valley Center branch at 4100 44th Ave., Moline, on Monday, June 15.
The Valley Center location, located off John Deere Expressway, has undergone a total transformation, adding approximately 3,860 square feet to the facility and creating a modern banking environment. The updated branch features upgraded technology, enhanced customer spaces, an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) with extended service hours, and an improved layout designed to support Blackhawk Bank’s full range of personal and business banking services.
The Milan-based bank first announced the rebuild in June 2025 and closed the branch for construction last August. The cost of the project was not disclosed.
“This project is a reflection of our belief that strong communities deserve strong local banking partners,” Eric Mutka, president of Blackhawk Bank & Trust, said in a news release on Monday. “We are grateful for the trust our customers place in us and excited to welcome them back to a branch designed with the future in mind.”
In April, Mr. Mutka took over the bank’s leadership, becoming the third generation Huiskamp to lead the locally-owned bank including his grandfather W. Gerard “Gerry” Huiskamp, who served as its president for nearly 50 years. Mr. Mutka succeeded President Chris Lemon, who retired after a 45-year career with the bank.
The rebuilding of the Valley Center branch included a construction team of Streamline Architects in downtown Moline and Hodge Construction, also of Moline. The original Valley Center branch was demolished to make way for the newly rebuilt facility.
According to Blackhawk Bank, the rebuild reflects its ongoing commitment to investing in the communities it serves while providing convenient, accessible banking solutions for local families, businesses, and organizations.
Celebration planned
Valley Center branch customers will have access to personal and business banking services, lending solutions, account support, drive-up banking, and digital banking resources – all delivered by the local team they know and trust, the release said. The branch’s six full-time employees are back at the branch as well as some part-time and seasonal staff.
The new branch will mark its re-opening with a Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 24.
Founded in 1961, Blackhawk Bank has served the community for 65 years. Today, it operates 18 locations across Illinois and Iowa including Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, and Scott County in Iowa.
