Multidisciplinary Design at Work – Orlando Credit Union GRAND OPENING
Earlier this winter the WINTER HOLBEN team dug out their summer clothes and packed for sunny Orlando, Florida to attend the grand opening of Orlando Credit Union's SODO branch.
We’re not gonna lie, we were excited for some warm weather in January. But short-sleeves aside, we couldn’t wait to see the completed building up close and personal: the SODO branch was an opportunity to see the breadth of our multidisciplinary design work brought to bear on a single project.
After taking over a building formerly occupied by a branch of First Green Bank, located in the heart of SODO, the city’s revitalized south downtown business district, OCU called on us to lead the renovation of the building. An up-and-coming urban enclave, SODO has a city-like vibe, walkable streets, and modern aesthetics. By contrast, the building was a vestige of the neighborhood’s past, with a stark concrete facade and antiquated interior noticeably out of step with its surroundings.
“OCU’s commitment to the experience of their members was brought to life through the opening of this new location.” remarked WINTER HOLBEN Principal and Design Director, Elisa Holben, “It was a privilege to work with an organization that understands pride in people and place is at the heart of community revitalization.”
Working closely with OCU leadership, we developed a design concept for the renovation that heroed OCU’s members and their branch experience. From the exterior facade to the interior design inside, our team was involved in all aspects of the project. The finished project included a seemless experience and design from the exterior to the interior -a complete overhaul of the former building’s design.
During our time in Orlando we met OCU employees, community leaders and credit union members and the feedback was unanimously positive. The branch was warm and welcoming to members, and comfortable and efficient for staff. And the renovated building was a standout in the neighborhood, reflecting both OCU’s brand and SODO’s vibe.
With so much to celebrate, well, celebrate we did. Thank you OCU and SODO for your warm welcome, we are grateful to bring your vision to life and looking forward to the next location we are working on to open up soon.
To learn more about this project check it out on our portfolio.