By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

A project three years in the making finally had its moment in the spotlight.

Firelands Federal Credit Union President and CEO Steve Wasserman broke ground for the credit union’s newest branch Monday morning. He was joined by city officials, Galion Chamber of Commerce members, and Firelands board of directors and staff.

The full-service branch, which will be modeled off the Bucyrus facility, will be located on 1.8 acres on State Route 598 between the Masonic Lodge and Obstetrics and Gynecology of Galion, Inc. The new 4,400 square foot facility will have five teller stations, three drive-up lanes, a drive-up ATM machine and parking.

“We had been in a small converted house for the last 10, 12 years and we definitely (have) outgrown that,” Wasserman said. “Galion’s been a great community for us. We’re seeing a lot of growth, a lot of opportunities and we want to take advantage of it. We felt the timing was right to . . . add a new nice addition. We’re real excited about this facility.”

Wasserman said he would love to move in to the new facility by the end of June but, in actuality, the facility is expected to be completed by the end of August or into September.

“They keep looking at me and rolling their eyes,” Wasserman said with a laugh about his eager expectations. “Everything is weather dependent at this point but we’re hoping to be in as soon as possible.”

This branch has been a three-year project for Wasserman.

“It took us a long time to find the proper spot, the proper location,” said Wasserman. “The Galion Chamber (of Commerce) and the Galion city officials have just been super to work with on this. Without their help it probably have been a six-year project.”

“I think this is another example, the second in recent months, of the growth along the 598 corridor,” said Mayor Tom O’Leary. “The groundbreaking today and the recent opening of the car wash just to the south of this, with Dr. Huggins’ active practice, it’s really beginning to look like a development corridor. We’re very excited about that and see this as an opportunity to continue the growth as the city moves out towards U.S. 30.”