Bangor Savings Bank has begun construction on a $2 million, solar-powered office building and retail branch on Marginal Way in Portland.

The bank, which is headquartered in Bangor, filed plans this summer for the three-story, 7,200-square-foot building, which includes a drive-thru for banking customers and an electric vehicle charging station.

The project is going up on a site formerly occupied by a car wash near Exit 6 of Interstate 295.

City planning staff recommended in July that the project be approved by the Planning Board.

“The proposals would transform a single story car wash on a constrained site into a high quality development that is more appropriate to Bayside,” the staff’s report stated. “The applicant has worked to meet or exceed the relevant standards. In addition, this project will contribute to the Marginal Way Improvement Plan and features ‘green’ elements such as the solar panels.”

The bank is planning a news conference Thursday to announce other Portland investments and strategies, including its philanthropic efforts.