Union State Bank growth sparks building project

By: 
Tammy Pearson

Union State Bank growth sparks building project

Union State Bank growth sparks building project

By TAMMY PEARSON

Adair County Free Press

After years of growth — and squeezing new staff members into limited space — Union State Bank officials have broken ground on an expansion/renovation project that will triple the upstairs floor space and give the bank a new exterior to complement the historical nature of Greenfield’s square.  Located at the corner of South First Street and Highway 92, the bank is situated at one of the “gateways” to the square, so it’s important that the bank fit in with the feel of the historic district, said Peg Scott CEO/CFO.  A priority was also placed on making the project as green as possible, and saving the existing building fit in with that goal, said Scott.

Planning for the expansion project started about two years ago. In November, a house next to the bank was moved to create space for additional parking.  First, the addition will be built north of the current building and operations moved into that space. Then the current building will be renovated. The project is expected to be complete in March of 2017. Customers will enter the new building just north of the current entrance and the tellers will be roughly in their current location.  Single Source Architects and Master Builders of Waterloo is the company in charge of the project. The company specializes in commercial buildings, with a large share of their work involving banks, said Scott. As much as possible, local contractors will be used, she said.

The bank, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, started in Bridgewater. In 1980, the Greenfield location was constructed and the bank’s charter moved. The bank’s Bridgewater branch continues to operate and is being remodeled.  Growth has been continuous, but especially noteworthy in the last 10 years, said Scott.  Being a conservative bank, Scott said that staff dealt with the space constraints as long as possible, but now is the time for the building project, she said.  While being under construction may have its drawbacks, Scott said the staff is “going to have fun with it” and will sport “construction bright t-shirts during the worst of it.” Construction-related toys will also be on hand for the kids.  For customers, business will not be interrupted during the process.

The bank’s ownership (Greenfield BanCorporation, a holding company owned by local investors), customer base and focus is local, said Scott. “There are so many big banks. We are determined to stay small and viable,” she said.  “I think I can speak for the entire staff — we are all excited to have the additional space,” said Scott.  “I love small town living and am excited to be part of a business that can support the local area,” said Scott.

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