Spokane-based Sterling Savings Bank says it's considering opening a second branch in Walla Walla, Wash.

The bank has filed an application with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. to establish a branch there in the recently developed Rose Street Town Center retail development, at 516 W. Rose St., says Cara Coon, Sterling's communications manager.

"Sterling is reviewing its options to support and better serve its growing customer base," Coon says. She adds, "No decisions on changes to our existing branch network have been made, but this is a required step as we evaluate our future options."

Sterling operates a downtown Walla Walla branch, about a half-mile east of the proposed branch site. In all, it has 178 branches and employs 2,700 people in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and California. It operates nine branches in Spokane and three in the Coeur d'Alene area.

Walla Walla, which is about 150 miles southwest of Spokane, is where Banner Bank is based. Spokane-based Inland Northwest Bank closed a four-year-old branch there this spring.