Need a Bank?

For as long as I can remember, a bank has occupied the triangle lot where Bertha Avenue dead ends into Marine Drive. That could end in about 3 months. This week Kitsap Bank account holders got a letter saying that the West Bremerton branch, located at 1140 Marine Drive, will permanently close on June 28, 2013.

The location is about a half block from Kitsap Way and is near Arnolds Furniture and the R&H Market. Despite all the commuters on busy Kitsap Way, apparently there isn’t enough customer traffic to justify keeping the branch open. Kitsap Bank is transferring customer accounts—including my safe deposit box—to their downtown Bremerton branch at 6th and Pacific.

Kitsap Bank acquired the property in 1999. Prior to that American Marine Bank had a branch there. The building itself, which is still in great condition, dates to 1970. The assessor values the land plus improvements at $311K.

After a respectful moment of silence for the West Bremerton branch, my neighbor and I are already speculating about what type of business might move in. That’s assuming Kitsap Bank sells or rents out the property. The parking lot has good access and about 20 parking spots. I have no idea what the zoning laws would permit. Perhaps a medical or real estate office. I can’t see another bank trying its luck there.

I hope whoever buys or rents the property is committed to maintaining the landscaping. It has to take some serious talent to keep the rhodies, azaleas, heather, junipers, and other shrubs on the lot trimmed and looking so good (see photo).

Actually if you don’t mind a bit of traffic and the big fishbowl front windows, the building would make a great house. Talk about an open floor plan. The covering over the drive-through window on the back side could be expanded into a carport. The building’s roof looks like it will last for years. There’s a built-in vault for your valuables, and the place has a killer alarm system.