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Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is proud to announce the grand opening of its first Detroit branch, located at 2715 Woodward Ave in the heart of downtown’s The District Detroit.
As LMCU’s 74th branch overall, their 52nd in Michigan, and 9th in Southeast Michigan specifically, this new location is a landmark step in LMCU’s commitment to meaningful expansion within the region. Offering a full suite of financial services that spans checking, savings, mortgages, business banking, and beyond, the credit union's 1,807-strong team is excited to join the Detroit community. Amidst great neighbors like Little Caesars Arena and the Mike Ilitch School of Business, LMCU’s Woodward branch has big plans to show Detroit’s businesses and families alike just why they’ll love banking with the state’s largest credit union.
During its 93-year tenure, LMCU has made a name for itself across Michigan and Florida by helping its 645,000+ members earn more when they save and pay less when they borrow, which led the credit union to be named #1 in the nation by Callahan & Associates in 2024, 2025, and 2026 for keeping more money in those members’ pockets.
“I’m really looking forward to helping Detroiters grow their money,” said Byron Sanders, LMCU’s Branch Manager for the new Downtown Detroit location. “Whether it’s our award-winning Max Checking account, our HomeAssist down payment assistance program, or our new selection of small business loans, LMCU is here to help make those little wins, big financial dreams, and major life milestones more accessible.”
Establishing new business relationships is of especial interest to LMCU, as the credit union also offers fullservice business banking services, including checking accounts, credit cards, treasury management, insurance, and loans of all sizes. LMCU’s local lending experts have already financed $150 million in loans for Southeast Michigan businesses, with plans to empower even more local businesses with the help of products like their fast-approval Lightning Loans and specialized small business loans for financing new equipment, machinery, or vehicles.
“At LMCU, we treat our business partnerships as community investments, which leads to huge ripple effects,” said Ruben Alfaras, LMCU’s Director of SBA Lending. “We’re helping business owners take their dreams to the next level, but we’re also helping create jobs and strengthen the communities we serve, which is all part of LMCU’s mission.”
According to LMCU’s President & CEO, Julie Leonard, the credit union’s commitment to community investment extends far beyond its approach to business banking. Leonard highlighted LMCU’s philanthropic contributions, totaling $4 million last year alone, as well as her team’s culture of giving back.
“The recent stat we’re most proud of is the 14,608 volunteer hours LMCU employees spent at over 385 nonprofits in 2025,” Leonard said. “By offering every team member paid volunteer time and connecting our staff with volunteer opportunities in their neighborhoods, we’ve cultivated a culture that doesn’t just care but also has a blast building communities together.
“Now, as we enter Detroit, we’re eager to keep that momentum going,” she continued. “We’ve already partnered with local leaders at the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, joined the Detroit Housing Commission's Preferred Mortgage Lenders list, and helped inspire future teachers at Wayne State University’s recent Educators Rising conference. Making a difference is an everyday driver for us, so we look forward to showing our new neighbors what the LMCU difference can do for them, their community, and the whole city.”
Any resident of Michigan or Florida can become a member of LMCU for just $5. Through June 30, 2026, LMCU will donate $10 to Methodist Children's Home Services for each new account opened at their Downtown Detroit Branch.