We learned back in December that Key Bank was coming to the neighborhood. Since then Fremonsters have watched the spot formerly occupied by Baja Fresh slowly but surely turn into an institution of banking. That transformation is near completion and Key Bank will open its doors on Monday, March 14th.
I had a chance to check out the new digs at 601 North 34th St. and found Key to be intimate (approx. 7 total employees working at any time) and personable, right up Fremont’s alley. I took some photos of the interior as well, which has been properly Fremont-izied.
Key officials are excited to come to Fremont, especially with the location they’ve found:
Rick Wirthlin, president of Key’s Seattle-Cascades District, said “We’re delighted to have found the perfect location for our new Fremont branch in one of Seattle’s most unique and vibrant neighborhoods.” It’s as convenient to use as it is easy to find, he said, due to a walk-up ATM for area workers as well as free designated customer parking in the garage.
The location will be Key’s 161st in Washington. The branch will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays.IF you get there during off-hours, don’t fret, there’s also a 24-hour walk-up ATM and night drop for merchants.
To celebrate the opening of the branch, Key is donating $1,000 to the B.F. Day Boys & Girls Club, a licensed day care at the B.F. Day Elementary School. It serves youth ages 5-12 during, before and after school.
Grand opening festivities will take place at the branch on Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments from Mad Pizza and fun family activities including a face painter and balloon artist. KJR-FM will be on location, broadcasting live and giving away prizes, including a Kenmore Air trip for two to the San Juan Islands. Visitors can also register to win a $500 Key Possibilities gift card.
The branch manager is Samira Salkic, a five-year KeyBank veteran. I spoke with Samira and she’s very excited for the opening and says local Fremont businesses have been “very welcoming” and “excited” about the opportunities Key will make available.
For more information about Key, visit https://www.key.com.