It was a sunny day filled with renewed hope when the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank at 101-09 Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills celebrated its re-opening ceremony on June 23, 2021. MJM+A Architects, PLLC was fortunate to partner with Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, a well-known bank throughout Queens, which was looking to re-fresh their look and create a more comfortable, secure environment for their clients. MJM+A Architects worked with the senior leadership team at Maspeth Federal to discuss the goals and aesthetic the bank was seeking to accomplish, as well as the necessary improvements they wanted to implement to be as efficient and “hands-free” as possible in their work and service to their clients.
MJM+A Architects, PLLC focused on improving the customer experience and accessibility when visiting the branch, something Maspeth Federal had long planned to do for its loyal clients. The improvements included an entirely new two-lane drive-thru banking experience with state-of-the-art pneumatic tube banking system and drive-up ATM. The site and parking lot were also addressed with new pedestrian walkways, Electric Vehicle charging station, additional parking, and a more inviting landscape. Additional upgrades to the branch included the installation of hands-free, automatic sliding doors and wave plates to reduce the amount of frequently touched surfaces. There were also enhancements to the building infrastructure and mechanical system. They were comprised of a new energy efficient roofing system, a second means of egress from the second-floor training center, an entirely new energy efficient heating and cooling system, and a new emergency generator.
With a game plan in hand, Oculus Consulting Group, a highly experienced code consultant, was brought in to direct the strategy for filing the project and obtaining approvals from the NYC Building Department as well as various other agencies. Oculus Consulting Group has established an excellent rapport with the various NYC agencies through its many years of experience. The vast scope of work entailed coordination with numerous NYC municipalities and utility companies such as the DEP, DOT, DOB, MTA, and National Grid which Oculus Consulting navigated effortlessly to streamline the filings and keep the project on schedule.
MJM+A Architects, PLLC and Oculus Consulting Group are grateful to our client for the opportunity to aid them in revitalizing their Forest Hills branch. We are particularly appreciative for their patience and cooperation in working with us through the ever-changing NYC Building Department and construction procedures during the pandemic. This was truly a well-earned celebration!