JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–The VyStar name will soon be highly visible as part of this city’s skyline as the credit union announces plans to light up more than just its brand.
The $8.6-billion credit union said it will be removing the SunTrust name on top of the 23-story downtown tower it has purchased and replacing it with its own name in August. But it has plans beyond just a signage change.
CEO and President Brian Wolfburg told the Downtown Council of the JAX Chamber VyStar is working with lighting designers on two new structures it has purchased, according to the Jacksonville Times Union. “We’re going to be illuminating the full outline and profile of both the public buildings, so at night a whole block will be lit up,” he said.
Wolfburg was also quoted as saying VyStar was making a commitment to public art by commissioning some large sculptures and is working with public space designers.
Pop-Up Businesses & More
“He intends to activate the alleyway between the buildings; make enhancements to the food truck area; bring in shipping containers to house pop-up businesses; and host a farmers market for employees once a week,” Wolfburg said, according to the Times Union.
As CUToday.info reported here, approximately one year ago VyStar purchased the SunTrust Tower to become its new headquarters, with plans to house as many as 1,000 employees in the building, which is adjacent to the St. John’s River.
The Jacksonville Daily Record reported the credit union paid $59 million for the building. SunTrust Bank, which is merging with BB&T into an entity it plans to call Truist (although Truliant FCU has filed suit), plans to continue to lease space.
Other Building Bought
Judy Walz, chief marketing and planning officer at VyStar, told the Jacksonville Times Union it should take most of August to complete putting the VyStar name on the property. With permits, the Times Union reported the total cost of the signage change is $410,284.
VyStar has also purchased the former Life of the South Building adjacent to its headquarters building for $5 million.