Stockman Bank razes Cine 3, plans branch office

By Martin Kidston/Missoula Current

It took little more than a day for a bulldozer to raze the old Cine 3 building on Brooks Street this month, where Stockman Bank plans to construct a new branch office within the next two years.

Back in September, Stockman representatives received a green light from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency to demolish the old theater, located at 3601 Brooks Street.

The building had sat vacant for more than a decade, falling victim to vandals and criminal activity. The Missoula Police Department asked MRA to “expedite” the structure's removal.

“It had become something of an eyesore,” said Bob Burns, the bank's Missoula market president. “The bank's intent was to clean up the site, with the intent of building our next location on that site in the next two years.”

Burns said Stockman plans to build a two-story branch office at the Brooks Street location once it opens its new headquarters building in downtown Missoula.

That project broke ground last May and has grown to dominate the corner of Orange Street and West Broadway. The six-story downtown building, with 55,000 square feet, is expected to open later this year and includes a 140-stall parking garage.

“That project is on schedule with estimated occupancy in November or December of this year,” said Burns. “We've been actively visiting with potential tenants with strong interest.”

The two projects represent Stockman Bank's plans to invest in western Montana. CEO Bill Coffee has said the region is attractive in its growth, allowing the company to expand its business and serve more customers.

In its two years in Missoula, the bank has grown to 25 employees.

“We've been well received by the Missoula community,” Burns said. “That's been seen in our growth over the last two years. These new facilities will allow us to be more efficient in our delivery.”

Burns said the bank is expected to hire additional employees 60 days out from the opening of its new downtown location.

Contact reporter Martin Kidston at info@missoulacurrent.com