Access Credit Union

Renovations / Strategy → Design → Interiors / 20,000 SQ. FT.

The Challenge

For Access Credit Union, remaining relevant and up-to-date for their employees is incredibly important. However, so is tradition. As a credit union that serves a very large Mennonite community, any updates still had to maintain and hold strong to their core values that had served their community for years prior. To do this, they needed to find a way to blend technology that could help their employees while maintaining traditional methods of transactions and interactions for their members. Thankfully, NewGround was happy to help, especially considering we had already helped create the space for them nearly 20 years prior.

The Journey

NewGround had already worked with Access Credit Union prior to this new project; in fact, we helped build the original space in 2000. While they were incredibly happy with the original space NewGround created for them, that was several years ago, and updates are always necessary to any space after that amount of time. We had continued to maintain a strong relationship with Access Credit Union, so when the time came to update the interiors and the technology within the space, NewGround was happy to continue the partnership.

Access Credit Union needed a dedicated space for members and for employees. They needed employees to be able to meet with workers who were hybrid or remote and have dedicated working areas where they could collaborate and get the job done without interfering with regular transactions. To accomplish this, NewGround built the second floor of the space to fit meeting areas aimed to employees, and the first floor to be a new, revitalized lobby area for members. The Access Credit Union branding was present throughout each space, for both members and employees. There were taglines presented in office spaces, a graphic wall covering of the logo, a backlit environmental graphic that incorporated their branding, and even a large, towering exterior piece that captured the heritage and integrity of the credit union – all while drawing attention to the space. Steady and consistent communication with the dedicated Access Credit Union graphic designer helped craft a space that everyone could be happy with.

NewGround’s relationship with Access Credit Union dates back to 2000 when we first designed and built their original space. While the credit union was highly satisfied with our initial work, the passage of time necessitated updates to the facility. Our continued strong partnership with Access Credit Union positioned us perfectly to undertake the task of modernizing their interiors and technological infrastructure.

Access Credit Union required a multifunctional environment that catered to both members and employees, including those working in hybrid or remote arrangements. To meet these needs, NewGround designed the second floor to feature dedicated meeting areas for employees, fostering collaboration without disrupting day-to-day operations. The first floor was transformed into a revitalized lobby area for members. Throughout the space, Access Credit Union’s branding was prominently integrated, featuring taglines in office areas, a graphic wall covering of the logo, a backlit environmental graphic, and a striking exterior piece that highlighted the credit union’s heritage and integrity. Our steady and consistent communication with the Access Credit Union team ensured the creation of a cohesive and appealing space for all.

The Destination

The finished space is a location that blends both the technological needs of the employees and the traditional heritage of their long-standing members. Hard work and dedication created a space with improved member flow and beautiful showcases of their branding. Access Credit Union was deeply involved in every aspect of the project, and it shows throughout the space. NewGround was happy to work on this project with Access Credit Union and looks forward to what the future will bring for them.