Bank branch as old as the Western Mall closes for renovations

This piece is sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

Driving through Sioux Falls today, it’s hard to imagine that the Western Mall was built — at the time — on the edge of town.

The mall opened in 1968 and was the first enclosed regional shopping mall in the state.

That same year, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls built its first stand-alone branch northwest of the new mall.

“I can remember going to the ‘big’ mall to shop at Montgomery Ward, Bostwicks and Tempo, plus the candy store, Hubbard’s Kupboard, and a two-screen movie theater,” said Kae Klinkenborg, facilities experience manager at First National Bank. “There was also a First National Bank in the parking lot!”

After 58 years, First National Bank is temporarily closing its oldest branch for a much-needed remodel.

A historic bank branch

Conveniently located in front of Best Buy along 41st Street, the Western Mall branch continues to be one of First National Bank’s busiest locations.

“The location is great, and our customers enjoy being able to park right outside the door and walk in,” Klinkenborg said.

It’s also one of the bank’s most historic branches. At the time it was built, Curt Kuehn was the branch manager, and Robert S. Baker was the assistant branch manager.

Both Kuehn and Baker would go on to serve as president of First National Bank.

Curt Kuehn and Robert S. Baker during construction of the Western Mall branch.

The location was so successful that in 1976 the bank added on to the building, constructing the offices currently located on the north end of the building.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve seriously considered remodeling about three different times,” Klinkenborg said. “The time was finally right.”

Plans for the Western Mall branch remodel

First National Bank closed the branch on Dec. 31 to begin a months-long remodel.

Some of the updates will be cosmetic, while others are necessary for the branch to continue functioning.

“We need to replace the sewer pipe because it’s eroding,” Klinkenborg said. “That will require us to dig up the floor from the restrooms all the way through the current teller line.”

The bank is using this opportunity to relocate the restrooms and make them handicap accessible.

Meanwhile, crews will replace all the tile and dark granite flooring in front of the teller line and update the layout of the branch.

The color scheme will be similar to First National Bank’s other recent remodels at the Ninth and Phillips location downtown and the branch on Benson Road.

The former bank vault at First National Bank’s Ninth and Phillips location was converted to a meeting space in 2023.

First National Bank completed its last remodel in 2024 at the branch on Benson Road.

“We’ll put a little twist on the look, making a nod to the midcentury style of the branch,” Klinkenborg said.

A few changes will be made to the exterior, including adjusting the number of drive-up lanes.

“That’s just a sign of the changes in banking,” Klinkenborg said. “But we want to maintain the midcentury charm of the exterior as well, which fits well with the neighborhood.”

First National Bank is partnering with TSP, Gil Haugan Construction and Interstate Office Products to complete the remodel.

For updates on the progress of the remodel, follow First National Bank on Facebook or your favorite social media platform!