Capitol Bancorp Center
200 Washington Sq. North
Lansing, MI 48933

2777 East Camelback Road
Suite 375
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Analyst Contact:
Michael M. Moran
Chief of Capital Markets
877-884-5662

Media Contact:
Joal Redmond
Corporate Communications
602-977-3797

LANSING, Mich., and PHOENIX, Ariz: Nov. 15, 2005: Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE:CBC), a $3.4 billion community bank development company, has opened its first de novo community bank in Illinois. Bank of Belleville, located in southern Illinois, brings the total number of separately chartered community banks in the Capitol Bancorp network to 39.

"We see tremendous opportunity for growth in Illinois and entry into the state is part of our national expansion plan," said Capitol Bancorp's Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid. "Based on initial response from local investors and the community at large, we believe we will be an excellent addition to the local business environment and are pleased that our first bank in Illinois is in Belleville."

Reid added that the foundation of Capitol Bancorp's strategic plan is ensuring that community banking remains an integral part of the financial services landscape. "Our banks are involved in their communities at many different levels and as such, contribute to the economic health of the communities in which they operate."

Capitol Bancorp has added seven community banks to its national affiliate network during 2005 through the opening of six de novo community banks and one acquisition. The Corporation currently has applications pending for seven de novo community banks across the country.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited is a $3.4 billion community bank development company, with 39 individual bank charters and bank operations in twelve states. Capitol Bancorp Limited identifies opportunities for the development of new community banks, raises capital, mentors a community bank through its formative stages and manages its investments in its community banks. Each community bank has full local decision-making authority and is managed by an on-site president under the direction of a local board of directors composed of business leaders from the bank's community. Capitol Bancorp Limited was founded in 1988 and has executive offices in Lansing, Mich. and Phoenix, Ariz.