many of us wondered what would happen with the bank we had all grown up with. How much
of Lakewood's history would we lose, and what would we gain? Last week I got a quick walk
through with Heidi Finniff, Branch Manager, and I have to say, it turned out damn nice, and
even uncovered and preserved more of Lakewood's history!
When you have a block, that is this nice, and this historical significant, you hate to hear it is
changing, even when the owner of the block is all about Lakewood and its history.
So far it merely looks like First Federal Lakewood.
Looking towards Detroit, you see the new waiting area, and behind the glass there will be
computers for patrons to use for accessing their accounts, and financial matters. When I
asked why, Heidi explained that these computers will not go outside to other servers so they
will be secured inside lines. Nice.
More importantly is the floor. They made many changes through the renovation, the floor
was a big one. As they were ripping off the old flooring they discovered a rare Tennessee
marble floor installed in 1920. When Heidi looked into it she found out, the style of marble
used has not been available for over 50 years. At that point they made ever effort to save it.
It still has that First Federal Lakewood feel. But now it seemed brighter, better access,
and it all seemed to work. The bank has been updated many times, but usually things
added to it, not a strip down and rebuild, so it did have that feel of not working together.
Now, it flows from the 1920 floor to the stained glass ceiling. It is modern, but feel familiar
and it really highlights the history of the building.
The stained glass ceiling looks better than ever. Besides a good cleaning of the glass. The
bank removed the artificial light box. In the past they were lit by florescent lights. Not
any longer...
Now on the roof are light collectors, that gather available light, and bring it into the window.
Magnifying available light, even on gray days it will look bright, but on sunny days, it
lights up and is beautiful. Energy efficient, and natural.
It looks great.
Heidi shows off the cubicles for business, as she explains, "Jim it has been fun, but some
of us have work to do, and I am sure you have enough photos for now."
Heidi thanks for the sneak peek, and can't wait for the official opening. You, and First
Federal of Lakewood did a great job on this renovation!
Thank you.
.