Bell Bank Signs Lease To Move Into Historic Temple Opera Building

The historic structure was originally built in 1889.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of downtown Duluth’s historic buildings now has a new tenant.

Fargo-based Bell Bank recently signed a lease agreement to occupy all three floors of the Temple Opera Building to expand into the Twin Ports.

Bell Bank officials have been on the hunt for several months for the right space to begin operations in Duluth.

The Temple Opera Building presented to be the best fit for the bank’s future expansion plans into the area.

Bell Bank is planning to open a full-service branch in the heart of downtown.

The historic structure, which is owned by Duluth based Titanium Partners, was originally built in 1889.

Bank leaders are looking to renovate the building to fit their needs while preserving its rich history.

Currently, the bank operates a loan production and deposit office which cannot accept cash.

The new branch will offer more opportunities for those face to face branch transactions.

“I think bringing Bell Bank to Duluth will create a great opportunity not only for our customers, but also for the community itself. We really have three core values that we live by which is to provide personal service, maintain a family atmosphere, and pay it forward,” said Twin Ports Market President Tim McShane.

Bell Bank is the 10th largest privately held bank.

They have more than 25 banking and mortgage locations in the Midwest including in Western Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

Bell Bank leaders anticipate demolition to begin in the next several weeks.

The new branch is expected to open by the end of November.