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Case Studies -- Kahului Federal Credit Union
PROBLEM
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When the time comes to expand, every credit union faces a different set of problems. For Kahului Federal Credit Union, the problems were a seriously outgrown facility and an identity crisis. They were in a nice but meek building shared with HC&S Federal Credit Union.
When HC&S moved into their new building (which we designed and built), the board of Kahului Federal Credit Union acted swiftly to acquire the entire building.
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before
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This still left them with an identity crisis. Although the building was in an excellent location adjacent to the corner of Kamehameha and Puunene, the view of their building was blocked by a large Shell Station. Prospective members could drive by without even knowing the Credit Union existed.
The Board realized that without the help of an expert, experienced team they could well end up with a hodge podge solution they would all live to regret.
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EVALUATION
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In order to get reliable estimates of future space and services needs the team of Baker Construction and Robert G. Sarnoff, A.I.A, Architect made a thorough study of Kahului Federal Credit Union requirements. Before drawing a single line this team interviewed and analyzed the structural integrity of the building, working in harmony with the Executive Staff and Board of Directors. Square footages, design parameters and most important, a carefully planned budget was established.
The Board and Staff also required that the existing building be transformed to create a strong Hawaiian flavor... one that would be easily recognizable and create a bold presence of a strong, progressive and local financial institution.
the design
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SOLUTION
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Kahului Federal Credit Union's new building is more than just a remodel... it is a complete transformation. The new lanai, supported by lava rock not only creates a strong welcoming entrance, it also provides shelter from the elements. Further, it gives the old building added height so that now it towers over the Shell Station and the bold new logo sign making it easily recognizable from the busy corner of Kamehameha and Puunene.
after
On the interior, the existing ceiling trusses were exposed and then sandblasted creating an open high ceiling effect. The executives were provided with offices from which they have not only complete visual access of the credit union but also have the required privacy for the members. Loan Interviewers are provided with glassed-in partitions so that they are accessible to members and also provide what was high on the members wish list... privacy.
Through clever use of design, not only was existing plumbing reused but a toilet for the disabled was added without major expense. Further, the existing vaults were entirely reused and the purchasing power of Baker Construction was utilized to secure a used vault door at half the price of a new one.
The new facility of Kahului Federal Credit Union now stands proudly in the heart of the community it was designed and built to serve (built by local labor and finished on time and on budget).
A symbol of strength, permanence and Aloha.
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Baker Construction Company
37310 Cedar Boulevard, Suite F, Newark, CA 94560 |
1-800-500-5163
E-mail us at: dbakbcc@pacbell.net |
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