New Minnwest building is almost complete

^{By Troy Krause
Editor
Posted Jan. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM}
 

In 1983 the Morton bank opted to expand its services by erecting a site on the east side of Redwood Falls. A decade later that bank building was purchased by what is known today as Minnwest Bank, MV. At the time the site was acquired to address issues the bank was having at its downtown Redwood Falls location.

“The biggest issue was with our drive-up,” said Doug Karsky, Minnwest president. “There were times when we would have people lined up onto the street.”

While that east building location served the community well for a number of years, the reality was, as the bank grew, it also began to out grow the space.

As a result, a new facility project commenced. That new building, located on the same site of the original east structure, is nearing its completion.

Jody Guetter, who serves as the executive administrative assistant and quality service project manager, provided a tour of the building.

“Our main focus has been on providing good customer service,” said Guetter, adding that has been reflected in the way the building was laid out. “We also had future growth in mind.”

According to Guetter, the new building is going to include additional office space, with five areas dedicated to that component.

Karsky said the new building is 4,200 square feet in size, which is about four times the size of the existing site.

The facility includes three teller stations and three drive-up lanes for its customers.

As the new building nears its completion the day for the demolition of the current site has been scheduled. Guetter said the plan is to demolish the building Feb. 12.

Prior to that date, from Feb. 11-14, the bank location is going to be closed as the equipment from the existing site is moved into the new location. Guetter said during that time frame the downtown location is going to have extended hours from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. for drive-up service, with the lobby open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The drive-up windows at the new bank building open for customers Feb. 16, which is Presidents’ Day. That day other banking operations are closed. The bank is scheduled to be fully up and running and open to customers as of Feb. 17.

The good news, said Guetter, is the new building is going to allow for parking in front of the building, rather than in the back, which should provide more safety and security for customers.

Karsky and Guetter both said they think the building is going to look very nice and should better serve its customers. Guetter added the staff people have come to know at the east site are going to continue in those roles in the new building.