First Independent branch targets northwest Reno

First Independent Bank is set to start construction on a 4,200-square-foot branch office at 6290 Sharlands Ave.

The freestanding building is scheduled for completion in December.

It will employ about eight people, said Lisa Milke, chief financial officer of the Reno-based banking company.

Grant Markham, president and chief executive officer, said First Independent sees a strong market throughout northwest Reno from Mae Anne Avenue to Mogul and Verdi.

"The northwest continues to grow very dramatically, especially now that construction has started at Somersett," Markham said last week.

The branch location, just off the Robb Drive exit from Interstate 80, is across the street from a new Scolari's store and the Sharon Square shopping center.

Carlin Williams is the architect for the First Independent branch office.

SMC Construction is the general contractor.

The branch is the third location for First Independent, which also operates a branch at Sparks Boulevard and Prater Way in addition to its southwest Reno headquarters.

The bank expects in September to move its new 30,000-square-foot, twostory headquarters building at 5335 Kietzke Lane.