Wells Fargo opened a new retail store — the bank refers to all of its branches as retail stores — on Wilshire Boulevard last week. Representatives of Wells Fargo, Miracle Mile residents, community organizations, local museums and Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, attended the grand opening.

Wells Fargo opened its Miracle Mile retail store last Wednesday where the bank awarded grant donations to organizations and museums, such as the Zimmer Children’s Museum. (photo by Luis Rivas)

Approximately 100 people gathered for the opening ceremony last Wednesday night as representatives of Wells Fargo presented grant donations to museums and organizations including the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM), Inner City Youth Orchestra and Zimmer Children’s Museum. LaBonge spoke about the partnership between the surrounding community and the bank. On behalf of the city of Los Angeles, LaBonge presented Wells Fargo with a certificate of recognition.

“Wells Fargo is helping the community, small business owners and also non-profits and schools,” LaBonge said.

Inside the store, an 8-foot by 7-foot mural paying homage to the history and culture of the Miracle Mile is prominently displayed. The mural depicts several Miracle Mile icons such as the May Company department store building at the corner of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, the Myer Siegel and Company building on Wilshire Boulevard and cars from the 1940s era.

The images were provided by the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection, the UC Berkeley Earth Science and Map Library and Wells Fargo Corporate Archives.

“The Miracle Mile is very special. There’s so much history, and that Wells Fargo is getting involved is very exciting,” said Natassia Mabry, manager of the Wells Fargo Miracle Mile store.

The bank enjoys working with museums and nonprofits, said Wells Fargo district manager for the Beverly Hills Corridor Omid Noori.

“Working with the community is ingrained in every store’s DNA,” Noori said. “We’re a global company and a local bank.”

LACMA, CAFAM, Inner City Youth Orchestra, Zimmer Children’s Museum and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County each received $1,000 grant donations, which were presented to representatives of the museums.

Gary Schultz, a Miracle Mile resident and owner of the employment agency, Work 22, attended the grand opening with his wife.

“I really like it here. The people are friendly, good customer service with every single transaction,” Schultz said.

The Wells Fargo Miracle Mile store is located at 6301 Wilshire Blvd. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.