The "Bankwarming" for the new Westgate branch of the National Bank of Washington, was held on Saturday, January 23, 1960 from 1-5 p.m. The "L" shaped building was designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards. It had a total square footage of 5,400 sq ft. and was built of concrete finished in off-white zolotone. Laminated beams in driftwood gray extended to provide an overhang, giving covered protection for customers. Prizes, refreshments and a chance to go "behind the scenes" lured a huge crowd on this gray day. (TNT 1/21/1960, pg. 8-9)

National Bank of Washington, Westgate Branch (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

No, it's not a run on the bank; these people are waiting in line at the "Bank warming" Saturday January 23, 1960 for the Westgate branch of the National Bank of Washington. They are lined up all the way down the side of the building to view the branch bank designed to serve the growing suburban communities of University Place and the North End. The Open House offered potential customers an opportunity to go "behind the scenes" to see modern banking equipment in action. Souvenirs, prizes and refreshments were also offered. (TNT 1/21/1960, pg. 8-9)

National Bank of Washington, Westgate Branch (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Architect's pencil rendering of the new National Bank of Washington's Westgate branch at 2624 No. Pearl. As the area surrounding the Westgate mall was developed and the communities of University Place and the north end grew and expanded, businesses rushed in to serve this suburban community. The Westgate branch of the National Bank of Washington opened in 1960. It was designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards and built of concrete finished with zolotone. It featured a flat roofed one story design with lots of glass floor to ceiling windows and was 5,400 square feet in size. The bank had parking for 75 cars and a driveup window at the rear of the building. (TNT 8/23/1959, pg. B-8)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;