Western State Bank will soon begin construction of a new 6,000-square-foot bank building in Devils Lake, with completion expected in early 2027.
According to their press release, the new bank building will be constructed at the current location on 4th St. SE in Devils Lake. It will feature a welcoming lobby, drive-up lanes, concierge-style teller stations, and a meeting space for Good Neighbor Club events and other gatherings.
During the construction process, the bank will temporarily relocate to the former U.S. Bank building at 508 College Dr. S., beginning June 1. The temporary location will offer a drive-up window and ATM, night deposit box and safe deposit boxes.
Western State Bank moved into its current location in 1973. After serving customers for more than 50 years, the facility needs significant repairs. Bank administrators have determined that a new building is the best long-term option to improve the customer experience and serve the community for years to come.
“Western State Bank has proudly served the Lake Region for nearly 125 years, and this new building reflects our long-term commitment to Devils Lake and the surrounding communities,” said Brett Johnston, Market President. “We’re excited to create a modern, welcoming space that will better serve our customers for generations to come, and we appreciate everyone’s patience throughout the construction process.”
The company’s administrative building, located south of the bank location on College Drive, was extensively remodeled and expanded in 2025 to accommodate Western State Bank and Western Equipment Finance team members in Devils Lake. This campus approach is like the company’s other administrative office locations in West Fargo, N.D. and Chandler, Ariz. As part of the campus facility plan, the current Western Equipment Finance building at 503 Hwy 2 W. has been sold.
Western State Bank and Western Equipment Finance employ 327 team members including 46 in Devils Lake. The bank was founded in 1902 as the Bank of Webster. In 1966, its name changed to Western State Bank and the headquarters shifted to Devils Lake. In 1973, the bank moved to the current location.
“Western continues to grow across the country, but our roots are still here in Devils Lake,” said Brian Houkom, Chief Executive Officer of Western State Bank. “Our Devils Lake team has a significant role in our success, and these building projects will help us better serve customers and support our team for years to come.”
Western State Bank also has North Dakota locations in Fargo and West Fargo along with Arizona locations in Casa Grande, Chandler, Deer Valley, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun City and Sun City West. It offers banking services, investments, and mortgage financing to personal and business customers, and the bank has grown to more than $2.6 billion in total assets.
Western Equipment Finance, a division of the bank, was formed in 1990 to provide full-service commercial equipment financing and leasing options throughout the United States. The division serves several primary industry segments including agriculture, amusement, construction, fitness, franchise, funeral, gaming, golf, laundry, lawn and tree care, rental, and waste management. Western Equipment Finance consistently ranks among the top 100 equipment finance companies in the nation.
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