Renovating the Cape Cod banking industry

By Rich Bryant

You probably don’t think about it, but many of the banks you visit every week likely haven’t been updated since they were constructed. Windows, doors, roofing and siding that make up the exterior envelope are at the point (typically 20 years) where they need to be replaced. Electrical and mechanical systems that were once state-of-the-art are now outdated, inefficient and not able to accommodate expansion. In addition to regular maintenance and updating of various building systems is the growing demand for more space as banks are adding to their staff in order to meet the needs of our growing community. As a result, large-scale reconfiguration of existing space or the building of additions is becoming more common.

These tasks have included door and window replacement, kitchenette replacement, ATMs, vestibules, heated walkways, office build-out and teller line improvements. While seemingly run-of-the-mill, the challenge lies in the necessity for keeping daily activities from being interrupted, ensuring patron safety and meticulous attention to constant cleanliness.

Over the last 10 years, our Builders Department has been engaged in the larger scale additions, renovations and new construction. While commercial construction on the Cape tends to be of the modified wood-frame variety, the collaboration with design engineers, specialty equipment vendors, and fire suppression contractors make working on banks quite different than standard residential construction. Our foremen have developed a solid understanding of multi-discipline coordination and the nuances that these projects require.

With the successful completion of many bank renovation projects under our belt, Cape Associates looks toward the future to expand upon this unique niche in the Cape construction industry as the local company helping local banks.

Richard M. Bryant is a Senior Project Manager at Cape Associates inc. He can be reached at rbryant@capeassociates.com or (508) 362-9770.


Published in Cape & Plymouth Business January 2012