Seneca Falls Branch

The goal of this project was to create a new small scale bank branch, with additional leasable office space, that was approachable and provided a high visual impact for the CFCU brand.

HOLT worked closely with the stakeholders at CFCU Community Credit Union to renovate an existing 3,000 sf structure that was previously a Tim Hortons/Coldstone Creamery, and prior to that another small bank branch. CFCU wanted to expand into a new geographic area and this existing building was the right-size. Because of its past use as a banking facility, it was able to accommodate a similar program again.

CFCU tasked HOLT with re-imagining banking to make the customer experience more fluid. The intention was to allow the user to have more ownership of their banking experience, but to also have staff/support easily accessible. The first big move made as a team was the idea of a “technology bar”. This design concept is informed by technology retailers and how one approaches a table and interface with an iPad prior to or even in lieu of an actual associate. We oriented our technology bars at 45 degree angles throughout the space to create a porosity which connected customers and the staff softening the stark line between front and back of house (the traditional teller station).

Exterior updates make the project inviting during the day with the bank’s signage and a palette of bright colors. At night energetic blue site-lighting makes a bold statement in the local landscape.