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The Flint Weather Ball redesign is revealed on Thursday, June 13, at a luncheon given by FirstMerit Bank, the new owner of the former Citizens Bank in Flint. At left is the day view; At right is the night view.

(Kristin Longley | MLive.com)

FirstMerit unveils weather ball design and new sign 13 Gallery: FirstMerit unveils weather ball design and new sign

FLINT, MI – The iconic

atop the former Citizens Bank headquarters in downtown Flint is getting a facelift.

MLive-Flint Journal will host a live blog in the comments section of this post on Thursday, June 13, at 11:30 a.m. as FirstMerit Bank -- the new owners of Citizens -- unveils renderings and plans for the redesign of the historic Weather Ball. FirstMerit will announce the changes during an invite-only event at the former Citizens Bank headquarters at 328 S. Saginaw St. in Flint.



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FirstMerit representatives alluded during the Citizens Bank purchasing process that the ball would remain, but that the lettering on it would change to reflect the new owners.

“We understand the age and the importance of the Weather Ball and how long it’s been a part of the community,” said Sandy Pierce, vice chairman of FirstMerit Corporation, and chairman and CEO of FirstMerit Michigan.

“We are absolutely intending on retaining the Weather Ball and keeping it where it is on top of the building. Obviously the ‘CB’ will change to FirstMerit, but the Weather Ball will remain.”

FirstMerit officials did not offer any details about what changes would be made to the Weather Ball other than the lettering.

The 56-year-old, 5,000-pound Weather Ball was first lit at 328 S. Saginaw St. on Aug. 30, 1956.

In addition to the unveiling of the Weather Ball renderings, the bank will also unveil its new FirstMerit Bank sign at the event. The sign was placed on the building Sunday, June 9, by Flushing-based Signs By Crannie, and is covered temporarily by a banner that reads "Citizens Bank, now part of FirstMerit Bank" and bears the logo of each company.

The event on Thursday will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the former Citizens Bank headquarters, and FirstMerit will present a $5,000 donation to the United Way of Genesee County as well.

“FirstMerit is one of the strongest and most successful banks in the country and we are excited to bring the FirstMerit name to Michigan,” said Pierce.

“Since 1845, FirstMerit has been committed to the communities it serves. Our donation to the United Way of Genesee County reflects our appreciation for all they do for those in need in the Flint area.”

FirstMerit’s sign unveiling and donation presentation are expected at 12:15 p.m.