FIRST FEDERAL BANK OF WISCONSIN

When First Federal Bank acquired the former Mitchell Street State Bank building located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, they made a commitment to continue to serve the Historic Mitchell Street community. First Federal Bank hired La Macchia Group to  remodel the interior of the century-old bank and to build a convenient micro-branch with a drive-through directly behind.

A Rich History

Built in 1916, the neo-classical concrete building would boast a rich interior of marble, mahogany, and tile floors, and served the German and Polish immigrant population that had settled in the South Side of Milwaukee. Now, as First Federal Bank, it remains committed to serving a diverse population. The bank is situated in a predominantly hispanic area and a large percentage of their customers are Spanish-speaking. 

Connecting the Bank Brand with Neighborhood Culture

First Federal Bank had a vision of connecting the culture and history of the Mitchell Street neighborhood with their branch experience. To ensure the right connections were made, La Macchia Group analyzed the tapestry profiles of the area to really understand who their customers are and what they are looking for in a financial institution. Bold colors, Spanish tiles, and community photography was infused into the interior design. 

The micro-branch, situated in the back lot, was remodeled to compliment the finishes of the main bank with updated conveniences of a modern branch. The structure includes a small lobby with ample teller and drive-thru counter space, and an area in the back for offices and a cheerful breakroom.