Second Federal Little Village

Programmatic requirements included new private offices, a loan service area, a reduced teller line, and a new 50-people community room to be used for financial and education seminars as well as community engagement gatherings functioning independently of branch operations. The first level was stripped down to the structure, aside from a domed plaster ceiling cloud, which was a key feature we were immediately drawn to and determined to save. Further, the interior architecture is anchored by two poured-in place curved concrete desks, subtly reflecting the sculptural shapes within the restored plaster ceiling and defining the loan and teller areas. 

Through the incorporation of the concrete forms, the design strives to bring together the old with the new into a cohesive vision that intends to appear as though they were conceived at the same time. The use of concrete symbolizes stability and permanence, while custom wood millwork adds warmth and glass partitions foster openness and transparency. Additional improvements include: new efficient lighting, new mechanical systems (with better control of the space), masonry repairs, new roofs and storefront. Since the bank had to remain in operation during construction, construction had to be planned as two phases.