Mechanics Savings Bank, New Branch Facility

Mechanics Savings Bank required a new space to fulfill the needs of their clients and the changing world of banking. Two of the primary goals of the client were to be in their current location and to rejuvenate the surrounding industrial mill area through design. The bank required a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The space needed to speak to their long time established clientele while enticing investment from new up and coming clients. The use of dark stained cherry serve as an anchor to the established clientele, while the use of a neutral palette and an abundance of glazing and natural light project a forward thinking image to newer clients.

Located across the site from the existing main office, the new branch, oriented toward the main office establishes a “campus like” relationship with its sister building. A glazed waiting area at the North end of the branch faces and aligns with a similar glazed waiting area in the renovated main office. The clerestory allows an abundance of natural light into the branch while also serving as a subtle directional cue toward the teller line, along with a primary curved wall used as directional wayfinding for the clients to the customer service representatives. The combination of soft and bold neutral colors allow for the bank graphics to rise to prominence in the environment, as well as providing a clean back drop to the banks collection of bold artistic works. The design and finishes also needed to reflect the board of directors’ commitment to be cautious stewards of investors’ funds.

This new branch establishes a revamped, clean and stream-lined brand for the bank that is being introduced at other locations.