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: Oct. 4, 2006: Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE:CBC), a $3.7 billion community bank development company, announced today that it has opened its first de novo community bank in Ohio. Bank of Maumee, located in northwest Ohio, brings the total number of separately chartered community banks in the Capitol Bancorp network to 48, located in 14 states across the country.

"We see opportunity for growth in Ohio and entry into the state is part of our recently announced national expansion plan," said Capitol Bancorp's Chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid. "Based on very positive initial response from local investors and the community at large, we believe Bank of Maumee will be a desirable addition to the local business environment. Our banks are closely involved in their communities at many different levels and as such, contribute to both the economic and cultural health of the communities in which they operate."

Capitol Bancorp has added seven community banks to its national affiliate network during 2006. The Corporation currently has applications pending for five additional de novo community banks.

Leading the Bank of Maumee is 35-year Ohio banking veteran Lee Dunn. Among his executive positions in Akron, Cleveland, Dayton, Genoa, Portsmouth and Springfield, Dunn was most recently the President and CEO of Genoa Savings and Loan. A graduate of Kent State University, Dunn was a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $3.7 billion national community bank development company, with a network of 48 separately chartered banks and bank operations in 14 states. It is the holder of the most individual bank charters in the country. Capitol Bancorp Limited identifies opportunities for the development of new community banks, raises capital for and mentors new community banks through their formative stages, and provides efficient services to its growing network of 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. Founded in 1988, Capitol Bancorp Limited has executive offices in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona.