- Image4 Marketing
- Featured Projects & Award Winners, Financial Services
- January 11, 2022
As the charter expanded, so did the need for back-office space as well as branch services. Members First chose the team of Destefano-Maugel Architects, Sullivan Construction and Image 4 Experience Design to develop this amazing headquarters building and branch. The design is complementary to the remaining historic mill structures that once made Manchester the largest mill town in America. Together with Image 4’s extensive building-wide Your Authentic Brand® package, members really do enjoy a memorable experience.
PROJECT: Members First Credit Union Puts Their Members “First” in New Headquarters
CLIENT: Members First Credit Union
LOCATION: Manchester, NH
Historic Headquarters
Project Overview
Members First Credit Union was first established as the Manchester Municipal Employees Credit Union by firefighter John Walsh in 1949. From John Walsh’s briefcase at the Somerville Street Fire Station in Manchester back in 1949 to an expansive field of membership that serves the entire state of New Hampshire today, Members First is dedicated to serving both its members and the community to improve the quality of life for all.
As the charter expanded, so did the need for back-office space as well as branch services. Members First chose the team of Destefano-Maugel Architects, Sullivan Construction and Image 4 Experience Design to develop this amazing headquarters building and branch. The design is complementary to the remaining historic mill structures that once made Manchester the largest mill town in America.
The first-floor branch features a welcoming, efficient design, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and open-concept workstations that replace the traditional teller line configuration. The trademark bright lime green and deep blue colors accent the off white walls and ceramic tile and carpeted floors. The circular service center features custom-detailed privacy barriers, solid-surface counters, and detailed millwork. By eliminating the barrier a traditional teller line creates, Members First staff are able to work more closely with members and move with ease between routine transactions and more private consultations. This allows for a more personal, secure and comfortable banking experience.
Private offices “T” off the branch area, and access to support and executive offices on the 2nd and 3rd floors is conveniently available. Dwell spaces and the Board room feature custom wallcovering and unique lighting treatments, and the break area boasts a full kitchen, two refrigerators and abundant natural light.
Image 4 developed an extensive building-wide Your Authentic Brand® package. Working for a year with Members First Vice president of Marketing and Sales, Terri Wieglman and Vice President of Retail & Operations, Cynthia F. McCormick, Image 4 designed and fabricated unique Brand elements for everything from wayfinding to privacy films to the in-branch brand presentation. A floor-to-ceiling mural of the city greets the branch visitor, with the CU’s logo and positioning in 3D prominently displayed. The pod-based service area is divided by custom-fabricated acrylic privacy screens. Historic images of the city of Manchester on stretch canvas and sheet steel pans add texture, interest and create a visible connection to the city. Continuing a theme from the three prior branches Image 4 has built, a history wall complete with artifacts adds an interesting touch and context to the space.
The Brand presentation was completely integrated from the first interior design concepts, so that nothing appears out of place or as an afterthought. Each office has a space for a merchandising poster, a stunning image from a local photographer displayed as a fine-art canvas, and the glass office facades are privacy-frosted in a custom-printed and cut Brand shape. Upstairs areas feature custom wallcovering elements of local art, street scenes, and scenic images of the area printed at mural size to sheet steel. Value statements and a fun line art of the city skyline relieves the long visual sightline in the corridors, and presents the common values of Members First.
The project came together beautifully, and delivers an effective, comfortable, on-Brand environment for both employees and members.
“We are very excited to embark on this next chapter in the Members First story,” said Bruce Leighton, Members First Credit Union president and CEO. “Now that we’ve expanded our membership throughout the state of New Hampshire, it’s important that we maintain our commitment to provide the best possible experience for both our members and our employees. This new facility will help ensure we meet that promise well into the future.”
