Native American Bank and Park State Bank Partner for Major Investment
In a significant move for both the culinary and financial sectors, Native American Bank has teamed up with Park State Bank & Trust to provide $6.9 million in financing for a new restaurant and event center in Woodland Park, Colorado. The joint investment supports Tava House Properties in launching an ambitious hospitality venue that aims to become a regional destination.
Native American Bank is contributing $3.8 million, while Park State Bank & Trust is providing $3.1 million toward the development. The financing will fund the construction and launch of a multi-level establishment featuring three distinct dining experiences, all curated under the leadership of renowned Chef Victor Matthews.
A Culinary Vision Rooted in Community
The new facility, named Tava House, is designed to serve as more than just a restaurant. The first floor will host the Tava Taphouse, a vibrant beer hall boasting 50 draft lines, indoor seating for over 40 guests, and patio space for an additional 50 patrons. Adjacent to this will be the River Room Banquet Hall, a venue ideal for weddings, receptions, and corporate functions.
The second floor will offer a fine-dining experience at the Firebrand Chophouse, also led by Chef Matthews. This upper-tier eatery is expected to attract food enthusiasts from across the region, while the entire facility is set to become a cornerstone for gatherings and celebrations in the Woodland Park area.
Partnerships Built on Shared Values
Native American Bank’s involvement in the project underscores its mission to support community-focused initiatives. “This partnership highlights the vital role community banks play in advancing projects that strengthen our communities,” said Payton Batliner, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Native American Bank. “With the relationships, experience, and long-term commitment to navigate complexity, community banks like ours make possible the kinds of deals that larger institutions often can’t or won’t take on.”
Park State Bank & Trust, which has been serving Woodland Park for over 60 years, echoed similar sentiments. Kathryn Perry, the bank’s Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, emphasized the importance of local knowledge and collaboration. “We’ve served Woodland Park for six decades—we know our community and how to help people realize visions here,” she said. “When we approached NAB as partners, they were all in.”
A Name with Cultural Significance
The venue’s name, Tava House, holds cultural resonance. “Tava” is the original name for Pikes Peak given by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, highlighting the developers’ intent to honor the area’s Indigenous heritage. This connection to the region’s roots aligns with Native American Bank’s identity as the first national American Indian-owned community development bank and a certified Community Development Financial Institution.
Chef Victor Matthews, founder of the Paragon Culinary School in Colorado Springs, is collaborating closely with local partners Mary Sekowski, Derek Waggoner, and Mark Weaver to bring the project to life. In addition, Tava House will work alongside Paragon Culinary School to offer training and career development opportunities for aspiring culinary professionals.
Opening Timeline and Future Bookings
Construction on the Tava House property is already underway, with an anticipated opening date set for April 2026. Despite being in the development phase, the facility is already accepting bookings for weddings and events scheduled for summer 2026. This early interest signals strong community support and demand for such a versatile venue.
With a blend of fine dining, casual experiences, and event-hosting capabilities, the Tava House project is poised to become a key player in Woodland Park’s economic and cultural landscape. The joint financing by Native American Bank and Park State Bank & Trust not only reflects confidence in the vision but also reinforces the powerful role of community banks in fostering local development.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.