Cooperative Center FCU – Berkeley
2,200
SQFT
Cooperative Center FCU – Berkeley
Client
2021
Completion Year
Berkeley, California
Location
Cooperative Center FCU sold its main office and branch in Berkeley, California, to make way for an affordable housing development. The credit union relocated its administrative operations to a highly visible 2,400 sqft leasehold retail branch.
Summary
Member Service, Uninterrupted
The pandemic presented new challenges for everyone in the construction industry. TruEdge met each challenge and completed the branch relocation on a tight schedule with no interruptions to member services.
The Challenges
A Good Neighbor
Working at an accelerated pace while observing the landlord’s and municipal rules to not disturb residential tenants above and commercial tenants adjacent to the branch required timely and thorough communication with all parties.
Zoning Hurdle
The credit union and TruEdge tactfully secured the critical Administrative Use Permit (AUP) from the City of Berkeley to enable the branch to operate on a site not originally zoned for that use. The finalization of the AUP made the branch a possibility.
“We couldn’t just stand by and watch our neighborhood struggle from the impacts of gentrification and displacement. It’s getting harder to afford to live in the Berkeley community. Selling our branch was the right thing to do.”
— Fadhila Holman, CCFCU CEO
An Expression of Deeply Held Values
The new Berkeley branch is a tangible symbol of Cooperative Center FCU’s community-centered values. The transition achieved two important goals: Current and new members enjoy an updated experience, while the affordable housing project at the credit union’s former home meets an urgent need in the community.
The new 2400sf location on San Pablo Avenue is a modern and efficient retail branch that includes a large conference room, private office, two member service representative stations, four teller stations, break room and street-accessed ATM vestibule.
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