The brand new Watermark Credit Union building at 16330 Aurora Ave. N. is sure to become a landmark in the Shoreline area. The beautifully designed 5,500 square-foot building with contemporary angles and abundant use of natural elements such as wood and stone, is soothing to the eyes in an otherwise retail-swathed section of Aurora.
Customers will appreciate the branch’s open, airy feel, as well as three drive-up lanes and ample parking.
Watermark employees and community members celebrated the opening of the branch in February with a ribbon cutting and welcome addresses by the mayor, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Watermark President/CEO Chuck Cockburn.
Cockburn said they chose Shoreline for the newest of Watermark’s eight branches after hiring consultants who analyzed potential areas to find the right location. Location is of utmost importance, he said.
“We know this will always be a good location, right on 99,” Cockburn said of the property, formerly home to an A&W restaurant. “We’re excited about Shoreline. It’s a good distance between Seattle and Lynnwood,” for customers coming even from areas such as Ballard, he said.
Branch manager Helen Lathrop, who has been with the company for 21 years, formerly at the Lynnwood branch, said the location will serve customers well. “We’ve had members for years who live in this area but haven’t had a branch close by. This will be convenient for them,” as well as new customers, said Lathrop.
Watermark Credit Union began in the 1930s as Seattle Telco, a credit union created to serve employees of Pacific Telephone & Telegraph of King County. In 2003, the name was changed to Watermark Credit Union, a reflection of the fact that it had grown to serve a wider membership base.
Anyone who lives, works or worships in the state of Washington can join as a member. Credit unions differ from banks in that they are owned by the members with your account being your share, and from which members receive dividends. Shared branch networking allows members to use many credit unions in the state—over 160 locations.
Watermark’s new building was designed by VRA Architects and built by SGA Corporation of Shoreline.
Stop into the new branch for more information, or contact them at (206) 382-7000 or (800) 732-9300. The Shoreline branch is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
