A groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled to celebrate the construction of a new bank building in a riverfront business park in Grand Junction.

The ceremony was set for Sept. 10  shortly after the press deadline for the Business Times.

OakStar Bank plans to build a 12,000-square-foot building at the Riverfront at Las Colonias development. The building will house the bank as well as restaurant, retail and office space.

“OakStar Bank is committed to serving our community while providing a different and dynamic banking experience,” said Clay Tufly, market president. “Our choice to build at Las Colonias is based on the same belief. We are excited to create this experience on the banks of the Colorado River and thank our loyal community members who have afforded us this opportunity.”

OakStar Bank opened a location in Grand Junction in 2021 out of a building at 501 Main St. Based in Missouri, OakStar Bank also serves communities in Missouri and Kansas.

The Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Las Colonias Development Corp. worked with OakStar Bank to select the site and lease property.

Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, welcomed OakStar Bank as one of the anchor tenants at Las Colonias Park. “Their decision to build here is a strong indicator of the region’s growth and the continued appeal of this area. We are grateful for their investment in this community.”

What was once a blighted riverfront area that required cleanup was developed into 140-acre mixed-use space with a 15-acre business park, a public park, amphitheater and 332-unit housing development.