Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank plans to enter the Seattle market soon with a limited-service branch, says Lea Werner, the banks spokeswoman.


Washington Trust plans to offer through the new branch customized business and personal financial services, including commercial and personal loans, and trust and asset management, she says.


The bank has asked the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. for approval to establish a temporary branch in the Two Union Square Building, at 601 Union Street, and also seeks to move that branch to a permanent location in the same building. Werner says the FDICs decision on the application is expected in about 30 days. The branch could open shortly after that, but details arent available yet, she says.


She says she doesnt know yet how large the planned branch will be or how many people it will employ, but the bank hopes to gain a foothold in the vibrant Seattle market by starting with a small office that will grow.


We think our style, which is personalized and customized, will be well-received there, Werner says.


Separately, Washington Trust also is seeking approval from the FDIC to open its first branch in Boise, plans for which were announced last year.


The bank has operated a regional office in Boise, which offers limited services, since last fall in temporary quarters, and now has applied for permission to open a temporary bank branch at 7970 Fairview Ave. there, Werner says. Both Boise operations will be moved to a 3,200-square-foot leased building at 7930 Fairview Ave. when a remodeling project there is completed in July, she says.


Kreizenbeck Constructors, of Boise, is remodeling the building for Washington Trust, Werner says. Lombard Conrad Architects PA, of Boise, designed the project.


The Boise branch will be a full-service branch with drive-through service and a walk-up automated-teller machine. Employment figures for the branch and regional office there arent available yet, Werner says.