Community First Credit Union recently announced it has acquired an existing bank branch location in Neptune Beach.
The credit union purchased the building and property at 1425 Atlantic Blvd., which was formerly an Atlantic Coast Bank branch. Community First purchased the land and building for $2.2 million and closed on the sale Wednesday, Dec. 12.
The existing building is 3,850 square feet and sits on two acres. It will undergo extensive renovations and remodeling in early 2019 to adopt the coastal design and architectural features of Community First’s nearest location in Jacksonville Beach. The current in-line shopping center location of Community First at 1650 San Pablo Road will move to the new Neptune Beach branch once it’s complete in early 2020.
The acquisition is part of the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, the institution’s most aggressive and comprehensive branch and facilities upgrade and update in its history, which seeks to align physical branch locations with modern banking needs and customer uses.
“We are excited to expand and enhance our in-branch banking experience for our intracoastal and beaches members,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “We have long sought a strategic site in this area and this location is a great improvement to our network.”
The building will undergo renovations, improvements and an expansion. Community First will add 400 square feet that will serve as an exterior tower — a feature in all its new branches — and provide interior space for a community room. The location will offer members a drive-thru teller window and a drive-thru ATM, which the San Pablo location lacks. Community First will also offer safe deposit boxes at the new Neptune location, something not available at its other area branches.
The interior features a redesign for modern banking, including an open floor plan, bright colors and advanced technologies. The branch experience includes full, self-service and assisted service options. Specialized financial experts are instantly available through the credit union’s Expert Nearby solution. TTV Architects will design the new branch, and Auld & White has been selected to perform the renovation.
