News Release: June 7, 2002In building its largest branch office in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, First Union National Bank not only considered what the building would look like, but how it would fit in with its South Brunswick Township neighborhood. This community-oriented approach has earned First Union National Bank a 2002 New Good Neighbor Award from the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.
"First Union is obviously committed to building stronger neighborhoods and communities by creating collaborative relationships with community partners, be they non-profits, developers, or municipal and state governments," said Nancy Ostin, president of the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce, who nominated First Union. "This project speaks clearly to First Union's commitment to the communities it serves."
"This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished by working together," NJBIA President Joe Gonzalez said. "First Union went beyond merely building a new branch office. The company added amenities and improved infrastructure to benefit those who live near their new branch. That is what being a good neighbor is all about."
The 5,000-square-foot branch bank is constructed with an attractive terra cotta brick and features a hip roof and open gable accents. Windows and doors have white trim and fascia that integrate the building with its two adjacent neighborhoods-one residential, the other commercial. An accent band of forest green tile ties in the bank's signature colors with the natural environment.
Inside, mahogany and glass decorate the lobby and office exteriors, while the teller and vestibule areas feature a textured floor.
In developing its plan, First Union worked closely with the township to create a branch that would be an asset to the community's character as well as its tax base. First Union agreed to install a large bituminous bike path for use by local residents and widen the public street and move a traffic light to improve traffic flow.
The project was designed by HACBM Architects Engineers Planners, Inc. of Princeton and constructed by Wade Ray & Associates Construction, Inc.
The First Union National Bank project will be honored June 11 at NJBIA's Annual New Good Neighbor Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.
The New Good Neighbor Awards program, now celebrating its 42nd year, recognizes newly built or renovated facilities that have created jobs and contributed to the quality of life in their communities. This year's 13 winners were selected from 45 projects that represent more than $1 billion in combined construction value and will house 13,600 permanent full-time workers.
A panel of independent judges painstakingly reviewed the projects and selected the winners based on architectural merit, jobs created and community involvement. Project nominations were made by a variety of people, including mayors, a state senator, local economic development officials and a chamber of commerce president.
