BILLINGS- Nearly two years after a fire damaged its building, First Interstate Bank’s Heights branch has opened a new building on Thursday.
The 6,053-square-foot building at 730 Main St. has the latest technology and design.
The fire happened in March 2017 and caused enough damage for management to decide to rebuild.
Some employees worked in a trailer in the parking lot for 19 months.
First Interstate has used the same design in Miles City, Gillette, Wyo., and soon in Hardin.
Fifteen employees are now working in the new building.
“We are so glad to be back here in this beautiful bank and all together as one team,” said Michelle Fuss, retail bank manager for the Heights branch. “It’s great. With the drive-up, just the technology with the security cameras, a little bit speedier service. It’s a more welcoming client experience.”
“Any more now you can get on the phone and do most of your banking, but if you’re going to come to the branch, you want to feel warm and welcome,” said Tyler Crennen, commercial loan manager for the heights branch. “For our bank to be able to invest in the technology that they have, it feels good as an employee and see the direction we’re going, it’s very exciting.”
First Interstate is planning a grand opening ceremony for the branch in January.
