Margulies Perruzzi completes renovations for Middlesex Savings Bank

Concord, MA Middlesex Savings Bank and Margulies Perruzzi (MP) re-opened the bank’s newly renovated branch at 64 Main St. Located in the town’s historic district, the branch renovation focused on celebrating and honoring the historic interior architectural features of the building while incorporating modern amenities, comforts, and features for employees and customers.

“We are thrilled with the outcome. The town of Concord has been an excellent partner and has assisted with the permitting and approval process required to address the nearly 100 year old infrastructure in the building. Middlesex Savings Bank is pleased to be able to continue serving the community in the redesigned space,” said Adam Fandrey, senior vice president and corporate real estate director at Middlesex Savings Bank.

The goal for the 9,000 s/f renovation was to keep the integrity of the historic features yet improve the function, flow, and visibility of employees to enhance the customer experience. Focusing on the bank’s top priorities of customer service and accessibility, Margulies Perruzzi worked closely with the bank to consider all the features of the space and their influence to make customers feel welcome and comfortable. Porticos and private offices were opened up to increase visibility, enabling customers to quickly and easily see where to go for help. A customer service pod was aptly placed in the center of the branch, and a previously unused mezzanine level was re-designed with a conference room and additional customer service workstations. A glass half-wall was installed on the balcony to keep the space open while offering speech privacy.

The project team for the branch renovation includes:

• Architect: Margulies Perruzzi;

• Construction manager: J. Calnan & Associates;

• MEP engineering: BLW Engineers; and

• Furniture: Environments at Work.

 To brighten the space, dark millwork panels on the walls and ceiling were painted white, emphasizing the beauty of the existing dark wood columns within an aesthetically pleasing visual rhythm. 

Historically-inspired details, like natural stone at the teller line and at the base of the wood columns, are a subtle nod to the rich history of traditionalbanking interior design. The “community wall” of local landmarks was reimagined in the branch as wall-mounted photography in the alcoves behind the teller line. The color palette and finishes were kept neutral, with the bank’s brand colors of blue and yellow used on the teller stations and carpet. Soft seating was strategically placed throughout the branch, and a hot beverage area was located near the entrance.

New lighting played a major role in improving the functional and aesthetic quality of the space. Margulies Perruzzi used a mix of modern and transitional-style light fixtures to highlight the natural beauty of the interior architecture as well as improve energy efficiency. Electrical and mechanical systems were updated, with close attention paid to making the heating, air conditioning and sprinkler equipment fit within the wood intricacies of the space. Without modifying the historic façade, all exterior windows and part of the roof were replaced.

Photo credit: Sabine Nordberg