Designed by Garrett Larsen of Larsen Architects and built by Toilsome Construction — both from Bainbridge Island — the building’s exterior, with its distinct lighthouse façade, is a return to the nautical theme that marked AMB’s branches before seven of them — including Kingston — were sold to what is now Bank of America in 1988. In fact, the new AMB branch is located within sight of, and almost across the street from, its former Kingston location.

Established in 1948, AMB, which is headquartered in Winslow, now operates two lending locations and 11 branches located at Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Silverdale, Port Ludlow, Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Sequim, and Belfair, as well as in downtown Seattle. It also boasts 13 ATM locations as well.

AMB operated for almost a year out of a temporary building on the site while construction was underway. “We’re very thankful to our customers who were willing to put up with all the construction and the temporary space to do business with us,” said an elated Debbie Anderson, the Kingston branch manager.

The 9,600 square foot project was built using local contractors, suppliers and bank customers when and wherever possible. “Using our customers whenever we could was very important to us,” said current AMB board member Bess Alpaugh. Alpaugh, who retired as the bank’s president and CEO about five years ago, was one of a number of dignitaries on hand for the event. “We’re a community bank, and that means supporting the businesses that support us at every opportunity.”
The exterior is finished in natural cedar and offers a drive up ATM as well as teller.

The spacious interior of the branch is finished in muted earth tones, with natural wood and stone used in abundance. There are private offices for the officers, as well as private closing rooms and a conference room, which is available for community use. There is also a massive stone fireplace that is surrounded by comfortable chairs and features a coffee pot nearby, that’s meant to be used as a local community gathering spot. The recently finished main branch in Winslow has something similar, and according to Anderson, it has become quite the place to be, attracting a cadre of “regulars” who visit almost daily. She expects the same thing to happen in Kingston.

The branch is adorned with a great deal of museum-quality Native American art, courtesy of Madelynne and Bill Castle, who are avid collectors and the owners of North Coast Native Arts Gallery. The couple has personally visited with each artist, selected and verified the authenticity of each piece on display.

The branch will also house AMBs loan servicing and merchant credit card department in its spacious and naturally well-lit basement. There is also additional space if needed for business bankers and real estate lenders, as well as a large employee lunch room equipped with refrigerator, microwave, stove and the one thing every employee lunch room needs the most — a dishwasher.

“We feel this building represents our commitment to the community,” said longtime community member and assistant Office Manager Ann Bopp. It’s one of the largest commercial developments in the past few years. Kingston deserves this contribution to the community.”.