Washington Trust Bank opens in Lakewood

Washington Trust Bank opened their newest location on Aug. 10 in the Lakewood area.

The bank is at a limited capacity right now due to COVID-19, but is open at 2437 172nd St. NE Suite L103, Marysville.

The bank offers the standard banking services.

"Washington Trust Bank is a full-service bank and that extends to our new location in Smokey Point," said Kit Gerwels, commercial banking team leader of north Puget Sound for the bank.

They handle banking for small, medium and large businesses, said Gerwels. "Our predominant focus is on commercial banking," he said.

They also offer accounts for private banking, mortgage banking and other options.

The new office is designed with an open format that is meant to allow clients to more easily connect with representatives.

"That provides a highly responsive level of service," said Gerwels.

There is a 24-hour ATM at the Lakewood location.

The branch is currently limited to appointment only.

"We have the safety of employees and clients in mind," said Gerwels. "People are encouraged to call ahead of time. If you drive up without calling and we are at capacity you may have to wait for a while."

The new office has enough square footage for social distancing, said Gerwels, and the branch has the recommended safety supplies such as masks and hand sanitizers

"The biggest difference when this is all over is that we will not have a limit on capacity," he said.

Washington Trust Bank has been operating in the region for 118 years.

"Our bank is the Northwest's largest privately-owned bank," said Gerwels. "We know what it means to work with family-owned businesses and we have historically been one."

Customers usually appreciate the smaller bank experience, said Gerwels.

"They like that it is independently owned and headquartered in the Northwest," he said. "We have the feel of a community bank. We are focused on growing relationships."

While the bank has locations in Seattle, they are mostly in eastern Washington and Idaho.

"We're very excited to have the first expansion in western Washington in the last 20 years for our bank," said Gerwels.

Client service is important for the bank, said Gerwels. "We have a uniquely local and holistic approach."

Washington Trust Bank branches are often involved in supporting the areas they are in and Gerwels said staff at the branch plan to keep that spirit in Lakewood.

"We're passionate about serving the community," he said. "We want to continue our philanthropic work here."