BIZNOTE: WaFd Bank closes Morgan Junction branch

For the second time in four months, a Morgan Junction bank branch has closed. First, Chase closed its branch inside West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) at the end of last year; today, WaFd Bank closed its branch at California/Fauntleroy. Signage on the door notes that they are consolidating operations at the WaFd branch on the north end of The Junction (4102 California SW); we have an inauiry out to WaFd HQ seeking more information on the consolidation. Public records indicate the bank (formerly Washington Federal) owns the building, but don’t show either a development proposal or sale/lease listing for it so far. (Thanks to Morgan Community Association president Deb Barker for the tip; local business is one of many topics that will be on MoCA’s quarterly meeting agenda at 7 pm Wednesday.)

P.S. Morgan Junction won’t be bankless for long – Waterfront Credit Union‘s move to 6421 California SW is getting closer.

Deb April 16, 2021 (5:34 pm)

Where is Waterfront moving?

We are excited to be moving to the Morgan Junction area of West Seattle. Our new address will be 6421 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136.

WSB April 16, 2021 (8:11 pm)

They bought the building on the northeast corner of 42nd/Fauntleroy, the one that’s had a collection of small businesses and is now undergoing remodeling. It’s been in the works for almost two years. – TR

M April 16, 2021 (7:01 pm)

Hope someone does something really cool with that location; not a banks.

N April 16, 2021 (10:15 pm)

It’s amazing how many key commercial corners in West Seattle are taken by banks. And often times it seems to create dead space and deter from urban vibrancy.

Villagegreen April 17, 2021 (7:49 am)

Banks and real estate offices. It annoys me all the prime retail space they command in the Junction.

Peter April 17, 2021 (10:07 am)

Not surprising, with most financial transactions being electronic. I’m hoping for a development that could host some cool retail.

dhg April 17, 2021 (2:51 pm)

I am not speaking about this most recent tenant but the history of this corner bank has been one of lost opportunity. Many times when attending the Morgan Junction street fest, the corner building would put up police tape across the parking lot and no parking signs when they should’ve put out welcome signs, put out a table with free toasters (or whatever) and made themselves part of the neighborhood rather than act like an occupying force was disturbing them.

Deb April 17, 2021 (4:11 pm)

@DHG – Morgan Community Association (MoCA) has been grateful to have the Morgan Junction Washington Federal Savings as a sponsor and participant of the Morgan Junction Community Festival over the years. When the Morgan Junction Festival was larger, WA Fd staff hosted children’s’ stages and activities in their parking lot. It was also used for food trucks and an acoustic music stage. One challenge that WAfd faced with their Monday to Friday bank hours was that they had to authorize overtime for staff to participate in the Saturday Morgan Junction Community Festival. Morgan Junction will miss having Washington Federal Savings in our community. MoCA looks forward to bringing back the the Morgan Junction Community Festival as soon as it is safe to do so. We hope to see you there!!Deb Barker, President, Morgan Community Association (MoCA)

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