Branch case study

First Fed

Fairhaven and Ferndale Branches | Design Build

the goals

Celebrate First Fed’s Pacific Northwest roots with an updated branch prototype that reflects the bank’s updated branding and establishes stronger connections with the local community.

Project Background

First Fed is the only locally-owned savings bank on Washington’s North Olympic Peninsula, and as the bank expands its presence throughout the region it is leaning heavily into its Pacific Northwest identity with its “Proudly PNW” brand update.

Our design team updated First Fed’s branch prototype based on their new “Proudly PNW” branding guidelines with locally inspired colors and natural materials. Both branches feature natural elements prominently, including moss walls and exposed wood blocks.

These two new Ferndale and Fairhaven branches are the first two deployments of this new prototype, and they expand First Fed’s footprint in the Bellingham, Washington market.

Proudly PNW

Both branches balance modern and natural elements to create bright and inviting spaces that feel like the PNW outdoors. A key focal point in each branch is a giant moss wall behind the teller pod, complimented by First Fed’s signature wood blocks and other natural wood features along with branded topographical maps of the area.

The Ferndale branch breathes new life into a dated building, transforming both the interior and exterior and opening the building up to natural light. It’s conveniently accessible to foot traffic from both a high-end retail development and new multifamily housing. Featuring an open layout with a teller pod, it feels like a welcoming space where customers come in not just for transactions but to start conversations and build relationships with the First Fed team.

The Fairhaven branch is located on the ground floor of a new mixed-use apartment building in the historic district. The high ceilings and smart use of urban space provides a big presence in the community. The front of the branch fully opens to the street with a retractable glass wall, a feature that helps First Fed quite literally break down barriers and build a deeper connection with local residents. They’ve already hosted a wine tasting event in the branch and are excited to host other community events there.

The branch has a great corner street presence with visibility into the conference room with large topographical map. Outside watering stations for adults, children, and even dogs give customers and the general public a reason to stop by when walking in the neighborhood.

"Momentum has been a fantastic design-build partner and collaborator for our new branches. They are local like us and understand our Proudly PNW spirit.” – Nick Mobley, VP from First Fed who led the new branch builds.

With these new branches, First Fed is establishing themselves as a valued part of both the Ferndale and Fairhaven communities.

Momentum Moment

Celebrating the local area is a high priority for First Fed, and our design and construction teams worked to ensure that nearly all of the cost of the projects were reinvested in the community.

All of the furniture is from a local Bellingham vendor, Blackburn. The subcontractors were hired from the area as well.

Our strategy of local procurement not only lets community financial institutions a way to invest in their communities, it also helps to build more sustainable and resilient supply chains.