[the urban politician]

^ Knowing people at your local bank is still a plus, even in this day and age. They help you out with stuff, especially if you're dealing with money wires, transfers, etc where things can go wrong. It's that much more helpful when the people there know you by name and are friendly with you than when it's a total stranger who is indifferent to your needs. Plus I sometimes still use them as a notary.

Banking is one industry where I definitely hope everything doesn't become completely automated. The customer service element is still needed by many of us.

Having said that, I think you sort of answered your own question: one of the reasons bank branches exist today is precisely because that's where people open up new accounts. And in a booming area like the West Loop you definitely want to be in on the action