Placing a full-service financial institution into a historic space with uncommon structural shapes, and exploiting all of the advantages of 21st Century materials and construction techniques is no small feat. The challenges posed, aside from unique shapes, were large windows, and closely-spaced structural columns. By incorporating a stretch fabric ceiling, the designer was able to utilize the elliptical ceiling center and outer ellipse across the entire customer area as the main light source for the space, giving it an open, natural feeling. By coincidence, the new design actually echoes the original design of the S.S. Pierce Store that featured a rotunda when first built in 1897. Using Cooledge products, the architect was able to create a more inviting, comfortable, and safe working environment where a dozen bankers service loyal customers.
Photography Credits: Peter Lewitt Photography
