May 7, 2014
Morgan-Keller’s Specialty Contracts Group received a 2013 ABC Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter Excellence in Construction Award for their SECU University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) Branch in the New Project up to $1 Million Category. The SECU UMCP project is a state-of-the-art SECU Financial Center. The credit union occupies a 2,650 square foot tenant space in the ground floor of an 11-story student housing complex and caters to the local population as well as the resident students. The innovative design is reflective of SECU’s brand, focusing on member service, convenience, and efficiency. The branch has a 24-hour accessible lobby, which includes an internet banking station and a technology station with stools and charging outlets for use with laptops or tablets. Both sides of the oval lobby are lined with member banking options, including ATMs and cutting edge Interactive Teller Machines where members interact with live tellers through video banking technology. There is also an exterior walk-up ATM to accommodate the needs of college students and the community. A 22-foot-wide overhead coiling door separates the 24-hour lobby from the rest of the facility after normal business hours. A learning center with an automatically retractable ceiling mounted projector and screen is available for financial related training sessions for both students and community. The lobby design features an upfront greeting station, a concierge desk, and open Member Advisor offices for member services, all highlighted by metallic perforated “Clouds” and suspended “Halo” rings for aesthetic and sound control features. Interior glass wall systems were used between private office and lobby areas for an open feeling, as well as allowing the Manager a clear view of the member area. A 70-inch plasma screen was installed at the front windows facing outward to stream 24 hour marketing messages to the public. This project was a cooperative effort between the SECU design team, the owner, and Morgan Keller to achieve the maximum benefit for SECU members, maintain the SECU brand, and promote efficiency. Morgan Keller’s extensive experience with construction of financial institutions was used to help with the general design, security and equipment design, and the most efficient use of subcontractors and vendors to finish the project with a savings over the original budget projections.