Community First Credit Union recently revealed the full interior and exterior renovation of its existing Beaches Branch at 1451 S. Third Street in Jacksonville Beach.
The renovation 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 that seeks to align physical branch locations with modern banking needs and customer uses. The Beach Branch renovation and retrofitting included interior and exterior upgrades and modernizations. The credit union celebrated the renovations with a grand opening event June 23.
“We are proud to upgrade our Beaches Branch,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “Our members who rely on this location can look forward to an upgraded banking experience as well as modern technology and features outside and in.”
The interior design features modern bright colors, furniture and finishes, along with a mix of carpet and solid flooring and surfaces, most of which are sustainable or recycled. The interior also features a relaxation zone, interactive tablets, transaction counters without barriers, a digital community board and advisory stations. The branch experience includes full- and self-service and assisted service options and interactive kiosks. Specialized financial experts are instantly available through the credit union’s Expert Nearby solution.
The branch was designed to maintain a coastal design feel while embracing the new design of Community First’s newly constructed and renovated branch locations. Auld & White Constructors of Jacksonville performed the renovations of the location, which started in December 2017.
Community First has served the Beaches for 34 years since it opened membership to its residents in 1984. At that time, the credit union had a part-time location and opened a full-time, full service location in 1985. Community First purchased the current location in 1994 and located all its Beaches operations to the new building. The Beaches location serves more than 11,000 members.
In addition to renovating its Beaches branch, the credit union has recently opened its newly-built Fleming Island branch, announced that it will be moving its Yulee branch to a new location this fall and has started construction of its Oakleaf Planation location, an expansion branch that will increase the credit union’s network to 19 locations.
