More Lakewood History Downtown Gone - To Serve You Better

[Jim O'Bryan]

The last view of the inside of First Federal of Lakewood. This past Saturday they started they
massive inside redecorating project, in an effort to serve Lakewood better.


The new area has a cleaner more modern look, and allows for two teller windows for those
in wheel chairs.


A much better use of space to also address those with safety deposit boxes.




The area on the right will contain computer terminals for secure online banking, and to
show others how to bank online. It can also be opened during street events to invite
the public into the bank.









More coming! Stay Tuned!


.

[Christopher Bindel]

Although the current interior has its place in Lakewood history, it is not how the bank was originally set up. My grandfather used to work at First Fed and back then the teller line was perpendicular to what it is today, cutting off the rear entrance, which didn't matter because it didn't exist at the time. The current safety deposit box vault was just "the" vault where they kept everything, including the money.

Having worked at First Fed my self for 4 years during college it will be kind of weird to see it change, but much of the interior is dated and the branch could use some modern improvements. However, being the history guy I am I hope they still keep its historic charm.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Chris

Actually we are trading 30 years of history, though not original, for something really suited to Lakewood, that
will look nice, serve us better and retain some amazing memories. More like taking the facade off the Bailey
Building. The current interior was installed in 1985, and while nice is outdated for many of the things the bank
needed to serve Lakewood better.

Including: 2 "desk height tellers" for handicapped service. More secured banking computers to access accounts,
a nicer coffee area for customers, and a front section that can be reconfigured on special days like the Art Festival,
Chocolate Walk, etc when they can open the doors and allow visitors to come into the bank.

Everything that can be recycled is being recycled-- the paneling is being used for canoes!

They are also saving the roof, skylight which was made faux in 1985 so they could retain it. Heidi Finnif the branch
manager was pleased with the amount of historical features they will save and recycle, as much as she was excited
about all the great features in the new version.

This should be nice! First Federal of Lakewood has always been a great friend and neighbor
of Lakewood and its residents and schools.

.
.