BOSTON – Middlesex Savings Bank, one of the largest mutual banks in Massachusetts with more than $4.8 billion in assets, and Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s architectural and interior design firms, announced the re-opening of the Bank’s newly renovated branch at 64 Main Street in Concord, Mass.
Located in the town’s quaint historic district, the Concord branch renovation focused on celebrating and honoring the historic interior architectural features of the building while incorporating modern amenities, comforts, and features for employees and customers.
Middlesex Savings Bank was founded as Middlesex Institution for Savings in 1835 in the Town of Concord. At a time when banking focused more on businesses than on consumers, the Bank’s founders, in an act of true community spirit, set out to create a bank where people of modest means, who had no other alternatives, could have a safe place to save. The Greek Revival structure in Concord Center, erected in 1932, served as the Bank’s headquarters until its merger with Natick Five Cents Savings Bank.
“We are thrilled with the outcome. The Town of Concord has been an excellent partner and has assisted with the permitting and approval process required to address the nearly 100 year old infrastructure in the building. Middlesex Savings Bank is pleased to be able to continue serving the community in the redesigned space,” said Adam Fandrey, senior vice president and corporate real estate director at Middlesex Savings Bank.
The goal for the 9,000 square foot renovation was to keep the integrity of the historic features yet improve the function, flow, and visibility of employees to enhance the customer experience. Focusing on the Bank’s top priorities of customer service and accessibility, Margulies Perruzzi worked closely with the Bank to consider all the features of the space and their influence to make customers feel welcome and comfortable. Porticos and private offices were opened up to increase visibility, enabling customers to quickly and easily see where to go for help. A customer service pod was aptly placed in the center of the branch, and a previously unused mezzanine level was re-designed with a conference room and additional customer service workstations. A glass half-wall was installed on the balcony to keep the space open while offering speech privacy.
To brighten the space, dark millwork panels on the walls and ceiling were painted white, emphasizing the beauty of the existing dark wood columns within an aesthetically pleasing visual rhythm. Historically-inspired details, like natural stone at the teller line and at the base of the wood columns, are a subtle nod to the rich history of traditional banking interior design. The “community wall” of local landmarks was reimagined in the Concord branch as wall-mounted photography in the alcoves behind the teller line. The color palette and finishes were kept neutral, with the Bank’s brand colors of blue and yellow used on the teller stations and carpet. Soft seating was strategically placed throughout the branch, and a hot beverage area was located near the entrance.
New lighting played a major role in improving the functional and aesthetic quality of the space. Margulies Perruzzi used a mix of modern and transitional-style light fixtures to highlight the natural beauty of the interior architecture as well as improve energy efficiency. Electrical and mechanical systems were updated, with close attention paid to making the heating, air conditioning and sprinkler equipment fit within the wood intricacies of the space. Without modifying the historic façade, all exterior windows and part of the roof were replaced.
Since 2010, Margulies Perruzzi has collaborated with Middlesex Savings Bank on many projects, including the relocation and/or re-design of branches in Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Sherborn, Wayland Center, and Wellesley Hills, and the renovation of the Bank’s main branch in Natick.
