Thinkwise Credit Union – San Bernardino
Having established the new design standards for Thinkwise Credit Union branches at their Rialto location, TruEdge took on the challenge of translating that design language to the 19,000sf main office and branch in San Bernardino.
The Challenges
The Best of Both Worlds
The imposing Tudor style structure in San Bernardino could not be more different from the smaller, modern Rialto branch prototype. Translating the new design standards to the majestic, old-world structure brought out in the best of both worlds.
Built to Endure
Thinkwise purchased the building to serve the growing credit union’s needs for the next 30 years. They loved the building’s charm but needed to modernize the systems, accessibility and infrastructure to support business operations.
Big Vision on a Budget
The vision was a first-class branch with forward-looking operational capability. With a limited budget, TruEdge employed value engineering and other cost-saving measures to meet the credit union’s financial goals.
When you look at the building, you don’t think “credit union.”
The Solutions
More Than A Credit Union Branch
For Thinkwise, the appeal of this classic structure of wood, stone and leaded glass was that it didn’t look like a credit union office or branch. It had loads of character. Within its walls they envisioned not only their flagship, but also a space where members and the community could gather for a variety of purposes. The completed main office and branch includes four teller stations, a member services representative station, a loan department, board room, informal meeting area, break room, executive offices, operations center, call center and large community/training room.
“Riding on the success of our Rialto branch, I hired TruEdge to help me renovate a new 19,000 square foot building to be used for our headquarters and main branch. There was so much work that had to be done I felt that it was impossible. TruEdge took away that feeling and, as if by magic, transformed the building into what I had envisioned for many years. It’s still surreal to drive up to the building every morning. Because of Trudge, every workday feels like I’m working in my dream building. Thank you, TruEdge!” – Heri “Eddie” Garcia, Thinkwise President/CEO
