The corner of Nucleus Avenue and Highway 2 will be transformed in the coming months as Glacier Bank is building a new building at the location that will not only give customers and staff a new building, but will enhance the nearby falls into a more attractive place to relax.

Fifty years ago, the original structure was built at the location and named Glacier National Bank. Early investors included local businessmen Dr. Michael Allen, Doug Remick, James Groschupf and Roger Elliott. The new bank was capitalized with $700,000 and shares of stock sold at $280 apiece in July, 1975.

Darrel Olson was named chairman of the board and was a leader of the bank and in the community for decades.

Construction started in 1975 and was completed in 1976.

Glacier Bank, (sans national) however, actually has roots in Kalispell. It opened in 1955 in downtown as First Federal Savings and Loan.  The staff of two, back in 1955, has now grown to over 260 employees in 13 branches across Western Montana, with many more branches across the West. Today Glacier Bancorp, Inc. is a publicly traded regional bank with divisions in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada.

In 1989, First Federal acquired Glacier National Bank of Columbia Falls.

A year later, the company changed the name of the holding company to Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (GBCI) and the branches became Glacier Bank.

Construction on the new branch building in Columbia Falls began in late May and the building is expected to be completed by April 2027, with complete site work done by next summer.

Hammerquist Casalegno of Kalispell is the general contractor.

“Glacier Bank is making a substantial investment in the Columbia Falls community with this new branch, demonstrating our long-term commitment to serving local customers and supporting the region’s continued growth. The project is being completed entirely by Flathead Valley subcontractors, and the majority of materials are being sourced locally within the Flathead Valley, with a few select supplies coming from other areas across Montana,” noted branch manager Samantha Ladenburg.

She noted the new single-story 7,223-square-foot facility will incorporate architectural elements inspired by Glacier National Park and the region’s rich timber industry. 

“As the flagship branch for Glacier Bank, we are committed to honoring the legacy of our current building by preserving and incorporating select features into the new space. In addition, we are partnering with the city to refresh and enhance the Falls area, creating a welcoming community gathering space where residents and visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy the heart of downtown Columbia Falls,” she said. The old building will be torn down to make way for parking and other amenities.

This story was updated on July 20 to include Darrel Olson as the original chairman of the board.