The featured image shows the second floor at Alltrust, open to the first-floor lobby below, prior to renovation. This area is now enclosed and serves as the credit union’s new boardroom. See summary and video link below.
One of the greatest challenges Solidus construction crews handle is the need to renovate or refresh existing spaces in a bank or credit union without requiring the business to close. “Our top priority is to keep everything running and everyone safe,” says Mike Bova, field manager for Solidus.
Successful execution requires careful planning, scheduling, and coordination.
At the outset, Solidus asks what’s required for the financial institution to remain open – the minimal number of tellers, for example, or critical meeting and office spaces. When possible, sections of the building will be isolated, whether it be one side of the building, several offices, or a different floor, Bova says. Temporary walls or thick plastic sheeting are used to lessen dust and noise.
Especially disruptive work is scheduled for early morning hours or weekends. This may include tile or carpet installations, or pod changeovers, Bova says. Most importantly, the work is done safely, allowing for demolition, framing, and ceiling work while staff or customers go about their business.
Such work is currently underway with Alltrust, the former Southern Mass Credit Union, based in Fairhaven, Mass. Solidus built temporary walls around the open, center area of the building, which had been used as a lobby. This allowed work to commence on the second floor above, which will now serve as the credit union’s boardroom.
Solidus welcomes you to view the video (below) produced by Alltrust, which describes the ins and outs of a successful occupied branch renovation.
Mike Bova, field manager, Solidus
