First Heritage Federal Credit Union
First Heritage Federal Credit Union (FHFCU) wanted their new corporate and main branch offices in Corning, N.Y. to project the strong community connections it built over nearly 70 years of operations and the sophisticated banking conveniences its customers have grown to expect. Those features were emphasized in the design of the credit union’s new building with sleek, clean lines, an inviting open main lobby and bank hall, and expansive glass walls that bring the natural light and the scenic setting of the Chemung River Valley into the building.
FHFCU’s new 27,500sf building has its branch retail operations on the ground floor, lending and marketing offices above the retail space and its corporate offices on the third floor. Members are drawn into the airy light-filled Bank Hall Lobby where tellers at open kiosks handle member transactions. Ceramic floor tiles edged with white joints and slate-hued carpeting provide a neutral background to showcase the green and purple colors that echo FHFCU corporate logo. Wood grills designed to absorb sound ripple across the ceilings and wall trims, and furnishings and teller pod kiosks accent the natural color palette. The wood tones warm up the space, and the interplay within the grillwork of dark sound absorbing material and lighter strips of wood give an exciting, dynamic quality that brings people’s eyes up to the linear design on the ceiling.
Location: 202 Denison Pkwy E., Corning, NY 14830
Completed: September 2020
Design Award Year: 2020-’21
Award Category: Commercial
Award Level: Citation
AIA SNY COTE Medal: Bronze
Submitting Architect and Project Link:
Steve Hugo, AIA
Natural light pours into the main lobby from a perimeter of glass walls that look out to Denison Parkway, filter light into interior office spaces, and illuminate all three levels of the building. A multimedia tower connects FHFCU with the community by displaying photographs of regional landscapes taken by employees. A tech bar and teller pods underscore the important role digital banking technology plays in providing customer convenience. Charging stations and iPads are available for customers to use, and FHFCU staffers provide instructions on using digital technology so credit union members can manage their accounts remotely. A Hospitality Center and Community Room offers local groups, businesses, and non-profit organizations usage for meetings at no charge. The lobby and multimedia tower are also used for seminars on home buying, investment basics, social security, and financial literacy.
Juror Comments
“Really well done!“
“Achieves a commendable balance of being community focused and transparent to the surroundings, while providing security and separation of banking functions.“
Gallery
Architecture Team
Cindy Kaufman, AIA, HOLT Architects
Tom Covell, AIA, HOLT Architects
Brigitte Rotker. Bennoun, HOLT Architects Charlotte C. Guyon, HOLT Architects
Design Team + Consultants
MEP: F|S Engineering
Structural: Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis
Landscape and Civil: BME Associates
Audio Visual: Tomei AV
Furniture: Sedgwick Business Interiors
Design-Build Contractor: Purcell Construction
Photographer: Revette Studio, 6167 Eastern Ave, Syracuse NY 13211