LaBella’s design team has worked closely with Bank on Buffalo to express their brand and philosophy through branch design. Collaborating on four branches to date, we’ve set new standards for the organization that are innovative and industry-forward.
Bank on Buffalo, Williamsville Branch
This was the Bank’s first major introduction to the Buffalo area. After developing the Bank on Buffalo signature white tile and red panel entry motif, the design team set out to transform a traditional banking interior layout with hard barriers at the teller stations, tired finishes and uninspired lighting to create an open plan, barrier free concept for Bank on Buffalo. The new approach to interior and exterior spaces were the first edition of the Bank’s vison of the future of banking. Special attention was given to the introduction of amenities for branch banking such as a coffee bar with a TV, soft seating areas promoting conversation, a play area for children, and a self-serve information gathering area complete with electronic devices for easy account and bank program offerings. Banking employees are encouraged to come out from behind their work areas to greet customers and offer assistance anywhere for all services – from account and money transactions to general questions.
Bank on Buffalo, Orchard Park Branch
After a successful first project in Williamsville, our design team assisted the Bank on Buffalo team in a total retrofitting of a former major bank branch in Orchard Park. Our team developed a scheme that took advantage of the original, iconic design of a branch bank with a nicely proportioned central, high-bay space, major exposure on a triangular shaped, corner site and plenty of glass. The Bank on Buffalo new standard of eliminating the teller/customer barriers was introduced, along with welcoming amenities. The program elements are organized within a major, centrally located circular ceiling soffit design. The exterior Bank on Buffalo entrance motif of large-scale white ceramic allows the Bank on Buffalo specially developed red entry canopy to pop.
Bank on Buffalo, Electric Tower Branch
The renovation of the Electric Tower Branch involved the redesign of the existing, original Bank on Buffalo branch to reflect the current corporate brand standards of an open banking floor concept.
This branch is located on the ground floor of the historic and highly visible Electric Tower in Downtown Buffalo. The building also houses Bank on Buffalo’s headquarters on the 7th floor.
Bank on Buffalo, New Niagara Falls Branch
Built from the ground up on a vacant lot in the heart of a heavily trafficked, commercial zone in Niagara Falls, this branch was designed to be bright, open, accessible, and highly visible to the public. The design portrays the appeal of an open, friendly and convenient environment with sections of full height glazing, glazed office front walls and associates readily available on the banking floor. We adapted some branch design standards to allow for new teller equipment.
