Within a couple of days after Umpqua Bank completed renovation of its branch at Moana Lane and Virginia Street, a young teenaged girl sat in the bank's lobby and completed some homework.
It's a scene that Dave Funk hopes to see often.
Funk senior vice president and regional manager of Umpqua's Nevada operations, says bank executives expect that the Internet cafe that's a cornerstone of the renovated bank will become a community gathering place.
A conference room that seats 20 is available for community groups and business meetings, Funk says, and the lobby can host meetings of about 50 people.
Renovation of the 11,096-square-foot building was completed by Shaheen Beauchamp Builders LLC of Carson City.
The extensive remodeling of the building's interior included construction of a technology-laden "Discovery Wall" that allows customers to use touch screens to learn about the bank's products and services.
A display case, meanwhile, showcases the work of area businesses.
Bank executives have said they hope the renovation helps spur redevelopment of the commercial area at Moana and Virginia, especially after roadway-widening work is completed this year.
Five people work in the Umpqua Bank branch location at Moana and Virginia. Another seven work in the bank's commercial banking operations, whose northern Nevada operations are based in the building.
