Blanchester, OH – 3,635 s.f.
The First National Bank of Blanchester contacted K4 to update and remodel their existing Main Office building, the Main office and branch facility, that was constructed in 1967. They wanted a more modern and open environment for their employees and customers, and to open up the lobby area. The design challenge included keeping the bank operational during the entire interior renovation and reconfiguring the awkward layout of the first floor. The original exterior of the building was retained with minor updates, but the interior underwent a major transformation.
The design intent was to reconfigure the entire space to better utilize both the first and second floors and provide more functional work space and office space within the facility and to modernize the interior design.
The existing front vestibule was a two story space like the interior central lobby, so K4 developed the idea to create a structural floor over the front entry vestibule to create a new office for the Bank President, featuring a balcony looking into the two-story branch lobby space designed with faux wood beams and decorative pendant lights. A fire stair was added to provide a second means of egress from the second floor directly to the outside. The existing Board Room/Conference Room on the second floor was also reconstructed and the floor reframed to cantilever out into the upper lobby space to make the Board Room/Conference Room larger and more functional for larger groups.
On the first floor level large amounts of glass were utilized in the new offices and conference rooms to allow more natural light into the space. A completely new teller line with updated finishes was added. A tech bar, coffee bar and kids area were introduced to welcome customers and to create engaging spaces.
Decorative wood paneling, modern finishes and furniture were incorporated that reflected the existing brand standards of First National Bank of Blanchester.
