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

2777 East Camelback Road
Suite 375
Phoenix, AZ 85016

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

LANSING, Mich. and PHOENIX, Ariz.: March 13, 2007: Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC), a $4.1 billion national community bank development company, announced today the opening of its seventh individually chartered community bank in California, Sunrise Community Bank in Palm Desert. Thus far in 2007, Capitol has opened two de novo community banks and development activity is currently underway across the country, with applications pending in New York, Oregon and Colorado.

"Capitol Bancorp has enjoyed tremendous success in California, and we eagerly look forward to serving the Palm Desert community," Capitol Bancorp chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid said. "Sunrise Community Bank will be an excellent addition to the local business environment, with its outstanding bank leadership and experienced staff focused on providing the utmost in customer service."

Leading Sunrise Community Bank is veteran local banker Stu Bailey. Sunrise Community Bank joins Bank of Escondido, Bank of San Francisco, Bank of Santa Barbara, Napa Community Bank, Point Loma Community Bank and Sunrise Bank of San Diego as part of Capitol Bancorp’s seven bank presence in California. Each of the banks offers a full suite of products and services for small and mid-sized commercial businesses, entrepreneurs and high net-worth individuals.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $4.1 billion national community bank development company, with a network of more than 50 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.