LOCATION
Lawrence, MA
2,540 sq. ft.
Deeply rooted in and inspired by the local community it serves, Reading Cooperative Bank’s newest branch in the center of the historic mill district in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is a valuable resource for the city it now calls home.
Shanna Cahalane, Senior VP of Marketing & Communications at Reading Cooperative Bank, tells us, “The new branch in Lawrence has been warmly embraced by the community. Customers are delighted to see their community represented when they enter the branch, and many have even stopped to take photos, including the Mayor. This sense of pride demonstrates the community’s strong connection to their city. “
Customers are welcomed into the 2,540 sq. ft. branch with an open lobby with a four-station teller line, a waiting area, private offices, and a conference room. Reading Cooperative provides customers with amenities that provide a seamless banking experience even within the hustle and bustle of the city. “The drive-through, onsite parking in the heart of the city, and convenient drive-up and walk-up ATMs cater to customers’ busy lives,” says Cahalane.
Including a community room open for use was thoughtfully factored into the design that helps drive Reading Cooperative’s message. Cahalane adds, “It serves as an incredible meeting space, hosting various events such as back-to-school backpack filling, First Time Home Buyers seminars (conducted in Spanish), and weekly Junior Achievement meetings. It has quickly become a place where people gather and connect.”
Our interior design team helped to create a cutting-edge branch that seamlessly fuses the allure of the industrial era with a modernized look. Exposed brick walls, wood beams, and weathered metal accents complement the industrial aesthetic, while frameless glass partitions and telescoping walls provide a sense of transparency and openness.
Reading Cooperative’s evolving brand is well-represented through finishes and textiles inspired by their color palette, along with the custom-designed glass banding and environmental graphics. Murals of local landmarks fill the space, grounding customers in familiarity while capturing the enthusiasm of Lawrence and its rich history. When we couldn’t find the perfect stock photo for the mural in the Community Room, Sharon Lesogor, our Creative Director of Branded Environments and in-house photographer, headed out to the historic Duck Bridge in downtown Lawrence to snap the photo herself. It’s more than just an excellent addition to the branch – Reading Cooperative now has this one-of-a-kind photo to use for future marketing purposes.
Considering its dynamic multicultural community was also top of mind. The branch integrates a combination of wayfinding in English and Spanish to ensure that everyone feels welcome and understood. “With all staff members being bilingual, customers can comfortably communicate in their preferred language. The dedication to meeting customers where they are on their financial journey is reflected in the bilingual wayfinding throughout the branch,” says Cahalane.
In the heartbeat of the city, this new branch is a testament to Reading Cooperative’s commitment to providing an exceptional banking experience while being an active participant in the growth of their community. We’re proud to have provided the architecture, interior design, and branding for this exciting project and wish Reading Cooperative Bank success in their new home!
