Banner Bank, of Walla Walla, Wash., is seeking federal regulatory approval to open its second Spokane branch, in the Northtown Office Building at 4407 N. Division.


Banner hopes to open the branch in July, says Bill Endress, vice president and branch manager of the banks first Spokane location, at 12209 E. Mission.


The new branch will be located in a 4,000-square-foot space just off the office buildings lobby, Endress says. Until last year, that space was occupied by a Washington Trust Bank branch.


Banner will employ about six people there, he says. Bob Olson, a longtime Spokane-area banker, will manage the branch.


Before the branch opens, the space in the Northtown Office Building will be remodeled extensively, Endress says, although he declines to disclose the cost of that work. Gordon Finch, of Gordon Finch Homes Inc., will head up the project, he says.


The Northtown branch will be Banners 40th, Endress says. The bank has operations throughout Washington, North Idaho, and Northeastern Oregon. In addition, it has five affiliated loan offices and three investment centers, he says.


Expect to see more Banner branches opening in this area, he adds, We should see additional branches unfolding in the intermediate future in the Spokane market.