First Western Bank & Trust is a full service financial center providing traditional banking products, trust services, insurance and leasing in the Minot area since 1964. They strive to be the premier financial service institution by building strong community relationships, providing unmatched customer service, and hiring the best employees. With the goal of creating a visual presence while still fitting in with the historic context, JLG Architects was tasked with the design of a new branch facility in downtown Bismarck, ND. The 35,000 SF, 4 story building utilizes glue laminated construction throughout, which creates a warm and welcoming environment for customers and pedestrians alike. Large expanses of glass and an open floor plan allows natural light to penetrate through the entire building. A glass two story conferencing center on 2nd and 3rd floors reach out over the public plaza and define the main entry. The roof above the 4th story is accessible and able to support large gatherings; the views from the high roof deck over downtown Bismarck and towards the state capitol grounds are spectacular. The exterior building materials include natural slate cladding and blackened steel panels, accentuated with perforated copper screen walls. These materials help define the new brand of First Western Bank as they continue to build relationships in the Bismarck area for years to come.