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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Federal Credit Union breaks ground on space to share finances and cup of coffee

Brooke Baker, left, director of business development shoots a selfie with president and CEO Charlotte Nemec  before the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Spokane Valley branch of Spokane Federal Credit Union on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)

Spokane Federal Credit Union broke ground Tuesday on its new Spokane Valley branch that will share a space with Revel 77 Coffee.

The project marks the first location in Spokane Valley for the credit union and Revel 77 Coffee. Spokane Federal has three branches in Spokane and Revel 77 has a flagship coffee shop on the South Hill.

The credit union purchased land and an existing 3,300 square foot building at 13105 E. Sprague Ave., which was at various times a car dealership and convenience store, for $687,000 in June from Snowbird Valley LLC, according to Spokane County assessor’s office records.

Spokane Federal will occupy 2,100 square feet with Revel 77 filling the remaining space in the building, which features an open layout and a modern design. There’s also plans for a shared outdoor patio and two drive-thru lanes. Spokane-based HDG Architecture is designing the building and Baker Construction is the project contractor.

The credit union considered the South Hill and other outlying areas for a new branch, but Spokane Valley was a heavily requested location among members.

“We had been talking about another location and wanted to have this for our members for so long and to finally see this coming to fruition is a dream come true for us,” said Charlotte Nemec, CEO and president of Spokane Federal Credit Union at a Tuesday groundbreaking ceremony.

It’s thrilling to see two businesses open new locations in Spokane Valley, especially along Sprague Avenue – a major arterial in the city, said Lance Beck, CEO and President of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“That’s a very unique opportunity to see two businesses establish a foothold here in the community at one time,” he said.

Revel 77 is known for its locally sourced beans and specialty coffee drinks, such as a black forest mocha made with a house-made chocolate cherry syrup that’s garnished with a dash of dark chocolate.

Sean Edwards and his father, Ray, purchased Revel 77 in 2017 from former owners Mike and Deb Nelson, who retired from the coffee industry.

Edwards said they were considering a second coffee shop when Spokane Federal reached out to them for a potential partnership.

“Working with Spokane Federal has been really easy,” said Edwards. “They’ve worked with us as we became part of this process and we’re super excited to work with them to bring their credit union to the Valley and bring our coffee to the Valley.”

The Spokane Valley branch will employ three to four bankers trained in member services and loans. It will also feature interactive teller machines that allow customers to interact with bankers via a video screen.

Nemec said the Spokane Valley branch will be a comfortable place where the community can visit, bring in their laptop and enjoy some coffee. And, the design could attract much needed youth into the credit union’s membership.

Spokane Federal, which opened in 1956, has more than 11,000 members and holds more than $157 million in assets. It offers financial services such as checking, savings, loans and financial education for the community at its three branches in Spokane.

The Spokane Valley branch is expected to open in July.