The former Bank of America branch in Fresno’s Tower District, pictured here, recently received a new exterior paint job. Photo by David Castellon

For nearly two years, the former Bank of America branch in Fresno’s Tower District has sat empty.

But workers recently painting the building had some nearby business operators hoping that a new business would open there soon.

In fact, one rumor circulating was that the former bank was set to become a medicinal marijuana shop.

Mark Standriff, a spokesman for the City of Fresno, said officials are still months away from completing the process of setting regulations for legal medicinal pot businesses within the city limits. Businesses doing recreational pot sales will not be allowed.

Brian Richburg owns the former bank at 1264 N. Wishon Ave., as well as Valley Commercial Group, which would handle the building lease, said the activity at his property isn’t to convert it to a cannabis business.

In fact, he said he currently has no potential renters lined up to occupy the building, and none of the local banks he has called have expressed interest in taking over the site or part of it, as Richburg said he’s willing to divide it in two, which would allow for a smaller bank branch there.

As for the recent repainting of the building’s exterior, Richburg said he just wanted to keep it from looking run down, so he spruced it up with a coat of paint.

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Related story: Bank of America to close longtime Tower District branch in Fresno