The Whitefish Credit Union celebrated its new branch in Columbia Falls last week.

After nearly 10 years of being a vacant lot, the credit union built a new facility at the corner of U.S. Highway 2 and Fourth Avenue West.

The new $3 million-plus branch was designed by CTA Architects and features a drive-through, offices, tellers, ATM and other amenities, including a coin machine.

Perhaps most interesting is the branch’s safe deposit boxes are accessed via biometrics — the door won’t open if a hand scan doesn’t match.

The branch added two more full-time employees as well, CEO Jim Kenyon said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Inside, the architecture features exposed timber beams and ample windows. Outside, the timber theme remains, with stone accents, reminiscent of a Glacier Park lodge.