Bank Offers Unique Support to Native American Businesses and Communities
Walking through the front door you immediately know you are not in a traditional bank. The typical, run-of-the-mill banking institution doesn’t exist here. There are no teller lines. Space is open and full of natural light. Vibrant colors elegantly and beautifully reflect the North American Indian culture.
Native American Bank is clearly different. Its new corporate location at 201 North Broadway in Denver displays the pride of the Native American communities. There is a real feeling of unity, reverence, and peace.
The physical attributes of the office are merely an extension of the underlying philosophy of the bank itself. Tom Ogaard, President and CEO of Native American Bank, is a man with a passion for the community he serves. Tom is a leader, warm and personable with a high sense of clarity and purpose. This dedication is displayed through the entire leadership team. There is a mission here, starting within the bank to reach out to the people they serve.
There is a need to provide Native Americans access to affordable, flexible banking, financial services and capital. Ogaard is direct, “It is the key for Native Americans to become self-sufficient, achieve economic independence, foster job creation and achieve sustainable economic growth.”
But he will tell you that it is deeper than simply providing capital. “It is all about building true lasting friendships and partnerships”, he says, “We collaborate, provide leadership and access to much needed financial capital, services and resources for Alaska Natives and Native American communities.“
What sets this organization apart from all others is their unmatched expertise and experience effectively dealing with unique issues with Native American cultures. Tribal Law, Tribal Governments, Tribal Spiritual Leaders, Tribal Corporations, Alaska Native Corporations, Trust Lands, and Tribal Sovereignty are all areas unknown to typical lending institutions.
Through their expertise and dedication to these communities, Native American Bank has been the starting point for an abundance of successful projects. From a Tribal Justice Center to a Healthcare Clinic, the bank has been instrumental in assisting growth in the Native American communities. This includes bringing economic development to some of the poorest areas of the country.
Financing has included multiple housing projects, community general stores, Tribal infrastructure for roads, water and sewers, hotels, hospitals and clinics. But that’s just the beginning. Looking ahead, there is much more to do. Currently the bank has more than $120 million of new loans in the pipeline.
Back within the new corporate headquarters, the support for future growth couldn’t have come without the dedication of several Denver companies in leading the purchase and renovation of the Bank’s new home.
The classic building was the key to this amazing new space. Through the efforts of Jim Tyler, Partner/Advisor of Tenant Strategy, a Commercial Real Estate Advisory Service, the building was acquired. As the commercial real estate broker representing Native American Banks, Jim was not only able to secure the property for NAB, but was then instrumental in the formation of the entire redevelopment team.
Once in place, the redevelopment team was led by Centerre Construction, an award winning commercial contractor. Centerre collaborated with bank owners, architects and sub-contractors in bringing the project to completing on time and on budget.
Making the process more difficult was the permitting process. Denver’s rapid commercial growth is often a huge barrier in getting permitting completed within strict time lines. Dave Hritz, vice president of Centerre Construction, was able to work with the City and County of Denver to keep the construction moving, hitting the scheduled completion date.
Inside, the creation of an inviting, friendly space was the task of Denver based Pear Commercial Workplace Solutions. The build-out included full height glass partitions and custom stair railings, all specifically designed to capture the culture of Native American Bank. With Pear’s assistance and expertise, the new space is functional, warm and open. Logic Integration handled all of the audio/visual needs throughout the bank.
Through the efforts of many people and multiple companies, Native American Bank is now beginning a new chapter. Positioned to grow, they will expand their reach, enhance their resources and find more ways to serve the Native American communities.
