LA Federal Credit Union – Van Nuys
When the folks from LA Federal Credit Union and TruEdge walked into the “Krystal Kleen Laundromat,” they didn’t see drab rows of washers. Instead, they saw a perfect blend of visibility, scale and raw potential for a new branch, strategically set along busy Van Nuys Boulevard.
The Challenges
Grand Planning
In order to define project objectives, TruEdge completed a comprehensive analysis of the credit union and the community surrounding the new branch. Numerous space plans were considered before the ideal plan came into focus.
Design for the Community
The local culture in Panorama City was a big driver of design at the new branch. The modern, inviting space features large pendant fixtures, modular block walls, contrasting finishes and bold feature walls.
Creative Value Engineering
The new branch exemplifies “wine quality on a beer budget.” Back-office areas feature cost-saving polished concrete floors. Carpeting for work rooms came from the vendor’s overstock. Competitive bidding and negotiating saved the credit union 10% across the board.
All the planning paid off. When LA Federal Credit Union opened the new Van Nuys branch in October 2018, the perfect blend of scope, schedule, budget and design had been achieved.
The Solutions
A New Prototype
Thinking outside the box and taking a fresh approach can bring unanticipated rewards. It was important to the design team and the client that the space resonate with both the credit union brand and the local culture—a tricky balancing act. The result was a space that did even more, becoming a new prototype for future LA Federal Credit Union branches. The finished branch includes four member service representative stations, waiting area, refreshment area, branch manager office, interview room, conference room, two teller pods with ADA Stations, work room, break room, two all-gender restrooms, janitor closet and ATM/IT room.
“The TruEdge Builds team is GREAT to work with and professional. LAFCU has worked with TruEdge Builds on two branch projects and we find that the team communicates effectively throughout the design/build process. They work collaboratively with us to produce branch transformation projects that better serve our members and the staff who serve them.” — Anthony C. Cuevas, Executive VP/Chief Operating Officer
