The end result is a beautiful, new building in Woodhaven. Its great design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meets the business needs of current and new credit union members. “We wanted something eye catching and to the scale of Allen Road,” said Dave Zanley, Yops & Wilkie designer.

He explained that the lot size was tight, and the parking and drive-thru requirements determined the building’s footprint. Since the building would not be large, it needed something unique to give it “height and presence.” The unique, architectural element chosen to make TFCU stand out was a Bermuda style roof, with its high pitch and horizontal seams.

The second location has enabled TFCU to serve its current members more efficiency, too. TFCU has 7,600 members from 15 surrounding communities. The new office is more accessible for many members.

“Members were asking for another office,” said Morrow. She added that credit unions are based on the philosophy that members are the owners. Therefore, it was important for TFCU to respond to member requests for another office.

Some special features available at the Woodhaven office are Saturday lobby service, a drive-up ATM and three drive-through lanes that can service five cars simultaneously. According to project manager, John Wilkie, Jr., the ability to service 5 cars with 3 bays is unusual. “I’ve seen this in California but not anywhere around here.”

Wilkie was pleased J.S. Vig was the general contractor selected for the job. “We’ve worked with J.S. Vig many times over the years,” he said. “If we had to hand pick a contractor, that’s who it would be.”

Wilkie also thinks JoAnn Morrow did a beautiful job with the interior design. “She hand picked the color scheme and was very involved in the entire fabric and color selection process.”

The design and construction of Trenton Federal Credit Union is prime example of the coming together of form and function. All it took to bring these two elements together was a client who desired quality and was willing to pay for it, a talented design team and a knowledgeable contractor working together in harmony. If you can dream it, it can be designed – Downriver!

Branching out

MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY AND enhance functionality. Those were the major objectives when Trenton Federal Credit Union (TFCU) board of directors decided to build a new branch office. A merger with Monsanto Credit Union in November 2001 prompted the need to expand.

Add to those objectives, a small parcel of land on busy Allen Road, which has undergone a commercial building boom in recent years, and numerous site restraints. Sound like a design dilemma straight from HGTV?

The staff and membership of TFCU did not need to resort to television for design solutions. The local architectural firm of Yops & Wilkie and general contractor J.S. Vig were able to meet the challenge.

“Without a doubt, we had the best architect and contractor,” said JoAnn Morrow, chief executive officer of TFCU. “We didn’t have to go outside (Downriver), we have two of the best right here.” She added, “It’s important we support the Downriver area.”