About the new business atop Regions Bank Building

Regions Bank Building downtown Benton. Photo by Shelli Poole

Since word got around that Regions Bank would be leaving downtown Benton, locals have wondered what will happen next for the property. There were several wild rumors, including another bank, a steakhouse, and a bowling alley. Saline County really needs to either find the financing for a bowling alley or fall out of love with the idea. It’s not going to happen from wishing. And it’s definitely not going to happen in the former Regions Bank building.

We’re going to talk about what’s new in the building, but first, some facts about the building. Assessor’s records show Regions sold the building in May 15, 2020 to “146 West South St LLC,” for a price of $950,000. That name is also the address of the east end of the building – it’s connected to 112 River Street. The principal owner name registered name under that LLC is Dwight Everett.

The property changed hands again on June 18, 2021 to “1909 Holdings LLC” for $1,408,000. The principal owner name registered to that LLC is John Travis Baxter.

Both purchases are an exponential increase from the 2004 purchase amount of $24,000 by Benton State Bank. It has been the location of that bank as well as Union Bank and First National Bank. Photos from history show a different building on that land.

The members in a Facebook group called Saline County History and Memories, have held discussion about the bank building, adding this old photo below, from the 1940s.

Click image to enlarge. Photo from Saline County History and Memories Facebook group.

In the discussion, some say the building was razed and another was built. Others say the building was renovated. Both of those recollections might be true. I’m hoping readers of this article can enlighten me since I have only lived in Benton for 20 years. There was also some discussion about the tiny drive-up bank teller building getting robbed several times by the same person.

: Digby south side

: Digby north side

: Landreth west side

Having said all that, let’s get on with what is in the building now. It’s easy to drive by and see the large Digby Law Firm name on the north and south sides of the building. You can also see a much smaller sign on the west side that says Tim Landreth Home Design, and then there are two more small and mysterious signs on a west door and a south door that say simply “Zehtty’s.”

I spoke with Ben Zehtaban, the General Manager to get an idea of what the business is. Ben said Zehtty’s buys and sells sports cards and trading cards of all varieties.

“We wanted to bring a nice selection of hobby and retail sports card product to the central Arkansas area and provide a venue for enjoying the card hobby,” said Ben.

Ben Zehtaban of Zehtty’s at 112 River Street in downtown Benton.

They were operating online and wanted to expand to offer an in-person experience. Ben said they are currently open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days per week at 112 River Street. There’s parking in the street and you can enter on the north, south and west sides of the building and take the stairs or elevator to the 2nd floor.

Back to the building facts for a second – here’s a pdf for commercial lease purposes that shows the floorplan of the inside of the building. If you can’t see the pdf on your device, click here to view the photos.

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