Focus Credit Union

SUMMARY

In the summer of 2008, Focus Credit Union engaged La Macchia Group to find real estate for a relocation of a former store front branch of the credit union. After assessing the space needs for the project, La Macchia Group identified a prime 4,000 square foot end cap opportunity down the road from one of the credit union's main SEG groups, Harley Davidson Motor Company.

Throughout the years, the Wauwatosa area real estate market has been highly sought after. Consequently, it was difficult to negotiate a purchase price that was in line with budget needs of the credit union. La Macchia Group was ultimately able to work out a long-term lease agreement for the site that benefits all parties and allows Focus Credit Union the ability to serve their members with a more convenient location minus all the costs and liabilities of owning the site outright.

The design team at La Macchia Group worked together to create a new space that reflected the character of Harley Davidson Motor Company. They also deliberately included space for strategically placed Harley motorcycles inside the building in order to add to the uniqueness of the lobby. Materials like stainless steel, concrete and glass were used to infuse an industrial feel while also making the space comfortable for members while they conduct their business.

La Macchia Group's mission with this project was to capture, in the delivery of the design, a message that conveyed the forward thinking attitude of the credit union to the fast paced and demanding membership. According to Dean Wilson, President of Focus Credit Union, "The look and feel of the new building has been warmly received by all the members of the credit union. It allows us to showcase one of the main SEG groups, Harley Davidson, while also creating an environment that is very inclusive to the rest of the membership base."