Photo by Ben Hensley | Fresno's downtown BMO branch will permanently close on Oct. 24.

The Downtown Fresno location of the Canadian-based BMO Bank will be closing its branch on Oct. 24. The ATM for the location has been closed for around a month.

The locations at First and Herndon avenues, and both Shaw Avenue locations in Fresno and Clovis will remain open.

BMO officials couldn’t be reached for comment on the branch closure.

Earlier Thursday, BMO announced an initiative to optimize its U.S. branch network and reinvest in markets with strong client engagement and long-term growth potential.

The plan states that the bank has entered into an agreement to sell 138 branches to First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company across multiple states.

BMO also plans to open 150 new branches over the next five years, with a focus on the California market.

“We’re sharpening our focus on markets with the greatest potential for long-term growth,” said Aron Levine, president of BMO U.S. in a news release. “This reallocation allows us to deepen client relationships and deliver the full power of BMO to our clients. Our branches play a vital role in that journey; they’re much more than buildings. They’re financial advice centers and community hubs where relationships are built, personalized guidance is given, and clients are supported in achieving their goals, all to help them make real financial progress.”

BMO entered the Fresno market in 2023 as part of the $16.3 billion acquisition of Bank of the West.

The branch is located on the lower floor of the six-story, 45,786 square-foot building at 2035 Fresno. St.