Lee Bank at Reed Street
Allegrone is Architect and Builder for Lee Bank’s new branch, located on the corner of Reed Street and South Street, Pittsfield. The project entailed a thorough analysis of a new approach to what it means to be a bank. The program combined multiple uses, including multifamily, with a specific focus on the first-floor community room. The design not only aligns with Lee Bank's branding but it responds to the high exposure of the site located in downtown Pittsfield, while complying with the unique zoning regulations specific to the city's updated bylaws.
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Owner
Lee Bank -
Architect
Anthony Allegrone AIA NCARB, Allegrone Companies -
Project Delivery
Design Build -
Size
13,000 sq ft -
Units
4
On November 9th, 2022, Allegrone’s Design and Construction team invited the team at Lee Bank to participate in a traditional Topping Off Ceremony to celebrate the progress made in constructing their new two-story, 13,000 sq ft building.
A Topping Off – also referred to as Topping Out – is an old construction rite where the builders, designers, and owners sign the last beam before it is installed.
Behind the Design
The design is an innovative use for a bank and in many ways, reconstructs the traditional banking experience in consideration for the time at which this project was being designed and built. Most brick and motor banks were shut down due to post COVID adjustments, such as the increased use of tools like virtual banking. This innovative approach revolved around the use and integration of the centralized Community Space that serves several uses – the bank's primary entry point and lobby, as well as a multi-use and adaptable space that is shared with the public both within and outside of typical banking hours of operation. In some ways, this space functions like a café – a relaxing, comfortable, and functional environment that welcomes the public.
The bylaws required a residential use on the upper level of the bank, which made this a multi-use bank including offices, assembly, and residential apartments. This posed a challenge to join a residential use with a corporate commercial use, which evolved into a blend of uses that complemented each other. The Community Space which reflects what Lee Bank represents – a community-orientated banking experience – was now partnered with what is essentially a residential community by way of four apartments on the second level. This use, although not originally planned for during early programming, allowed us as the architect to take advantage of this use and enhance the community aspect of the building - driving more people to the space and creating its own active environment along with influencing the building form and materiality.
From Concept to Creation
