IMCB financial center on target for July 17 opening
The Sandpoint Financial and Technical Center is on schedule to open its doors on July 17, says Jim Burnett, vice president and senior project manager for Intermountain Community Bancorp (IMCB).
Panhandle State Bank will take up residence in its new facility immediately after the grand opening, and the administrative offices of Panhandle State Bank/Intermountain Community Bancorp will move in shortly thereafter.
Approximately 35,000 square feet of office space will be available to external tenants.
"It sounds like a lot of room, and it is," said Burnett. "We are looking for creative ways to maximize the use of the space because that square footage shrinks quickly when you consider all the utilities and amenities we want within the building."
The building will be wired with both fiber optic and microwave Internet access systems for maximum redundancy. Internet kiosks will be available in the Atrium for community access along with public access wireless Internet services.
The building has been designed to reflect the beauty of the Northwest, with brick, stone, and wood accents.
The centerpiece of the structure will be its sky lit atrium, which will bring the natural environment indoors with live evergreen trees and cascading water feature setting a warm, welcoming tone. A big screen television, copy center, coffee bar, and restaurant offering breakfast and lunch, plus take-out dinners, will all add to the comfortable ambiance.
"Panhandle State Bank continues to celebrate its history and role within the Sandpoint Community, and we want to be more active than ever in promotion of community activities and events," said Curt Hecker, CEO of IMCB.
He said the atrium and central lobby areas will be made available to historical and artistic exhibits, and community activities.
Non-profit and community groups will have free access to meeting rooms.
Construction of the Center has been based upon environmentally friendly practices and materials. Even the office furniture will be selected based upon its "green" qualities - being made from recycled materials and selective wood harvest.
The building itself will be highly energy efficient, utilizing a closed loop heating and cooling system. In addition, windows and skylight materials have been selected to reduce the amount of passive solar gain in the summer.
"We are using as many LEED design techniques as possible with this project," said Burnett.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System(TM) is the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
Many internal walls will be modular and movable to allow for future reconfiguration as needed.
"This is a building that can change for short or long-term needs," Jim Burnett said.
Parking for the structure is a key issue for customers, tenants and the community.
Intermountain Community Bancorp has explored many options, including construction of a parking garage.
"We hope to construct a solution that mitigates street parking issues while keeping as much green space as possible," explains Burnett. "Pouring large areas of asphalt parking lot is not a good answer."
Pedestrian safety is a primary concern for banking officials.
CEO Curt Hecker indicated that discussions will be held with the City of Sandpoint, and the Idaho Department of Transportation to determine the best ways to ensure that the additional foot traffic in the area is made as easy and safe as possible.