NEWS RELEASE:
BUCYRUS — A local bank is in the midst of major renovations, and bank leadership had a goal to make local contractors a part of improving the local business.
First Federal Community Bank is under construction on South Sandusky Avenue in Bucyrus, and bank president and CEO Brad Murtiff said 11 local contracting companies now are part of the process.
After originally contracting with Pittsburgh-based PW Campbell for the project originally estimated to cost $1.25 million, Murtiff said he and members of the bank’s board insisted the company use local contractors and trades.
“We’ve been here since 1888. Our goal was to not just expand on things we needed, but it’s our commitment to our community, and to remaining a local community bank right here,” Murtiff said. “As we say, community is our middle name and we need to make sure it isn’t just lip service. We feel very strongly about giving back to the community who’s been with us for 130 years.”
Eventually, First Federal got out of its contract with PW Campbell at the expense of $30,000, with PW Campbell remaining on board as the architecture firm. Murtiff said the company specializes in bank and credit union design, and still was seen as the appropriate firm for that part of the project.
Murtiff said it was a financial gamble to switch contractors, but everyone was in agreement that it was a good decision.
“There are countless contractors in this area capable of completing this job, and keeping that income here was very important,” Murtiff said.
The gamble paid off for the bank, as Murtiff found the bids from local contractors eventually will save the bank approximately $400,000.
The contracting bid was secured by J&F Construction.
Subcontractors on the project include:
- ABC Interiors
- Freyman Finishing Touch
- Paul Skaggs Painting
- Kinn Brothers
- Kiess Electric
- Zeigler’s Electrical Services
- CD Cabinets
- Henak Masonry
- Business Essentials
- Quinn’s of Bucyrus
Construction began in July and is expected to be completed in mid-January 2019.
Murtiff said the goals of the project are to make room for future company growth and to make the banking experience more user-friendly. He said the expansion is based on staffing needs over the next 10 years.
The southernmost building of the complex will house the accounting department, after the department’s space was renovated just five years ago. Murtiff said that department already outgrew the space, and other departments are expected to soon follow suit.
“The key is efficiency,” Murtiff said. “Right now, we have departments spread out throughout the building. The renovation allows us to strategically put departments together, where they will be most efficient.”
Customer-focused work includes expanding the lobby and teller area. Murtiff said the current teller line has been in place since 1955.
What is expected to be seen by bank employees as the largest improvement to customer convenience, however, is the parking lot and customer entrance in the rear of the building. In addition, there will be an ATM with 24/7 access in the new, well-lit vestibule.
Murtiff said while renovations are happening in the lobby, the teller line will be moved to the northernmost building of the bank until renovations are completed.
The bank will also have a meeting space available for the public to use. Murtiff said that though the inside of the bank is undergoing a major facelift, the charm of the downtown local bank look of the front of the bank will remain the same.
He said approximately $150,000 was put into the front façade and awning of the bank and the bank’s leaders want to keep the multi-building look to keep the charm of the downtown community.
Murtiff said all the work to the building and the efforts to adjust by all the employees will be worth it when the banking experience is improved for the customers.
Upon completion, there will be a community-wide Open House.