Amazing transformation! A renovation respecting the history and community focus of the Bank of Brodhead exceeded expectations in terms of cost savings, security improvements, execution speed, and employee and customer experience.

The long-standing community bank of over 100 years, the Bank of Brodhead in Orfordville, Wisconsin, desired a branding update and aesthetic refresh. Seeking a renovation that would optimize their existing building footprint of 3,234-sf, the Bank of Brodhead partnered with The Redmond Company to create new offices, a conference room, break room, efficient teller service areas, workspaces, and additional storage space.

Having previously worked together, The Redmond Company quickly got onboard and prepared to transform the space with new lighting, finishes, and integrated custom graphic elements to help brighten and modernize the space, at the same time highlighting the Bank’s history and community mindset with a wall display of historical photos. Understanding small-town friendliness and familiarity with customers, a ‘touch down’ meeting area was designed that doubles as a mobile check desk in the lobby, a feature suggested to prevent well-known customers from walking into private offices for unscheduled meetings.

As a design/build partner that maintains complete transparency on project progress, costs, and decisions, the momentum of the project was streamlined. Being a previous and trusted partner of the Bank, many decisions by the client were made based on a “You do what you think is best” approach, demonstrating both trust in Redmond’s decision making and our focus on doing what’s best for our clients.

The Redmond Company took a cost-conscious approach to the project, particularly with the demo and repair of the drive-thru canopy. Additionally, changes were made to a previously scoped plan to repurpose underutilized spaces and include more dual-purpose areas to meet budget needs.

The relocation of a stand-alone drive-up ATM to a through-wall setup eliminated the need for an employee to walk in and out of the building with cash. This new design provided a more secure process and prevented unnecessary risk to the Bank, the employees, and customers.

Maintaining a positive employee and customer experience throughout a renovation while continuing to service customers can be challenging but the Redmond team made it a priority. The demo and reconstruction of a portion of the drive-thru canopy was timely so it would be open for customers as interior building construction fully progressed. Screens and partitions were erected to keep dust and debris away from customers entering the Bank as well as teller workspaces. Work needed in the teller area was completed during non-scheduled times to limit disturbing the client as much as possible.

The bold rebranding of Bank of Brodhead not only elevates the customer journey but also seamlessly integrates the bank’s distinctive branding elements and color palette, establishing a cohesive link with its other branch and services.

Photo Credits: James Meyer Photography/Allen Morris