NORTH SYRACUSE, N.Y. -
The indoor drive-through is part of a redesigned former Lexus dealer showroom the credit union bought. The spacious, 6,000-square-foot showroom provides enough display space to showcase an automobile (currently a Ford Mustang), a snowmobile, an ATV and a custom-built chopper motorcycle–all of which are for sale.
SECNY FCU said its firm policy of supporting local businesses is the reason that vendors have provided everything from the vehicles to self-serve coffee. CEO Walt Bobesky said it could very well be one of the few credit unions where you can grab a coffee at “The Quarter Cup,” check out a vehicle, get financing and literally drive it out of the building.
“I like to point out that for $697, you can walk out (financed) with all of the vehicles on display except the chopper,” Bobesky said, explaining that would be the total payment for a motorcylce, the Mustang, the ATV and the snowmobile at the CU’s current rates.
When the $72-million community CU went shopping for a new branch location last year, it immediately identified the car dealership’s location as a prime high-traffic area. Bobesky said one of the challenges associated with the $448,000 renovation was converting and expanding the service bay area to include enough space for two enclosed teller lanes and a drive-up ATM. SECNY hired Syracuse-based Schopfer Architects, LLP for the design work and Hayner Hoyt Co. for the build-out.
After a detailed analysis that studied everything from prevailing winds in the area to how to position the teller lanes so they don’t disturb nearby residences, Hayner Hoyt Co. went to work building the drive-through teller lanes to include a sophisticated carbon monoxide detection system that was carefully tested before the branch went online.
Bobesky said the indoor drive-thru lanes weren’t just a nicety in an area that can see up to 182 inches of snowfall in a typical winter season. He added that there has only been about 85” of snow this season but “members love it so far.”
SECNY FCU also has a “Going Green” policy that utilized a green cleaning standard in its buildings that focused on improving indoor air quality, recycling and minimizing the use of raw materials and toxic products.
The policy was put into practice during the planning stages of the new branch. “We wanted to use as much of the original building material as possible for the renovations,” Bobesky said. “We retrofitted all of the lighting fixtures and furnaces with high-efficiency hardware.”
The new branch uses optical imaging where possible to cut down on the use of paper and the CU hosts several shredding events throughout the year for members and its own excess paper.
Bobesky estimated that the retrofitted building is some 60% to 70% more energy efficient than when it was operated as a car dealership.
It’s also one of the most cozy credit union branches in the area, he suggested. Overstuffed chairs are centered around a fireplace where members can take a moment to relax and catch the news on the flat screen television above.
In fact, two more new branches are on tap for 2008, with each branch showcasing a unique decorative theme tied to local demographics.
The 13,000-member FCU also plans on rolling out new member services in 2008. Bobesky said members can look forward to a free tax and financial planning service and will have access to a pro bono attorney who will draft simple wills.
For More Information
* www.secny.org.
* www.haynerhoyt.com
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