Nova Retail Group, a division of Tri-North Builders, is currently working on a 2300 square foot interior build-out for Berkshire Bank located in Albany, New York.  This project is scheduled to be completed in July 2010.

We are excited to assist Berkshire Bank with this full turnkey project, which included architectural services, space planning, building construction and brand/retail positioning.  Throughout the development of the new Berkshire Bank branch, a progressive approach to confronting the financial industry stereotype has been geared towards altering customer impressions of the typical bank, transforming it instead into a community-centric, retail store environment experience.

In many of their new branches, customers will not see a standard teller line; instead, a specially designed teller pod is incorporated to break down the barriers between the customer and banker, thereby creating a friendlier environment.  People are therefore more likely to linger and take advantage of more of the bank’s services.  Community rooms are also incorporated into the branches for the public to use for special events, private meetings, gaming nights, or wine tasting events.

Through our merchandising and brand/retail positioning experience, we were able to assist the center in creating a customer education zone, leading to greater awareness of banking needs and services.  While visiting the branch, customers can grab coffee or purchase a computer in addition to doing standard banking.

These new branches have also developed their approach to being increasingly energy efficient by incorporating energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems and using sustainable materials.  These combine with the new retail store environment, yielding the flexibility to create multiple functions with a reduced footprint.

Within their existing facilities, energy audits are being conducted to assist in the reduction of overall energy consumption.  With the assistance of local, state and federal incentives, along with incorporating energy management solutions and improving the building envelopes (which will themselves allow for significant savings), Berkshire Bank will soon see the financial rewards possible through our Energy Performance Site Assessment Program – a program designed to improve ROI based on increasing green initiatives.

About Tri-North Builders
Founded in 1981 in Madison as a General Contracting firm, Tri-North Builders has grown to become one of the largest construction companies in the United States. With a focus in Commercial, Healthcare, Hospitality, Institutional, Financial Services and Retail Construction, Tri-North Builders currently works throughout the U.S. and Canada. They are a “Green Building Leader” in their industry, with offices in Wisconsin, Texas, California, New Hampshire, Washington and Mississippi.