Credit union to move within San Bernardino

A credit union for people who work in education has bought a building in downtown San Bernardino that will serve as its headquarters.

Thinkwise Credit Union paid $2.25 million for the vacant structure at 599 N. E St., according to a statement. 

Avison Young Los Angeles represented Thinkwise Credit Union in the transaction. The seller was identified only as a private investor from Orange County. 

Built in 1986, the two-story building sits on 1.5 acres and covers more than 18,000 square feet. About 20 people are expected to work there after the building is upgraded, probably by the end of the year. 

“Thinkwise Credit Union is a very community-minded organization with a passion for our members’ financial well-being and the communities in which we serve,” said president and chief executive officer Heri Garcia. In the statement. “This new location is ideal as it is in a great location near our core membership. It also gives us a significantly larger headquarters space as well as a branch office.”

The credit union, which will leave its current headquarter at 2441 N. Sierra Way in San Bernardino, plans to extend a 3,800-square-foot community room at the E Street address. That space will be used for credit union events and will be available to local organizations.

Membership in Thinkwise Credit Union is open to education employees and their immediate family in the Inland Empire and Orange County. Workers at colleges, universities, school districts, parochial and charter schools are eligible, according to the statement.