High-tech financial services gear inside SEFCU's Kiernan Plaza location.
ALBANY, N.Y.—A restored train station once the hub for travel in this area is now home to State Employees FCU—which has packed this historical landmark with some high-tech financial services gear.
Members who walk into the lobby of SEFCU’s headquarters, located in the old Union Station, see an intricate marble floor, ornate walls, high ceilings and chandeliers. But once inside the CU’s business space members may think they have entered the world of the Jetsons.
They see white walls, white floors, lots of glass and no teller lines. Instead SEFCU has a “Purpose Bar,” where people can learn about the CU and its offerings via an interactive video “table” that can accommodate up to three, and a large eight-feet-by-eight-feet video wall. The screen runs a loop of CU information, but people can touch it to interrupt CU messaging and interact with the credit union. Up to three people can use the video wall, which does not connect to a live person.
Mini Grand Central Station
An “Interactive Teller Machine” lets members pick up cash, make deposits, or perform any other typical teller transaction. The teller has a video screen and a phone to connect with a live staff member.
Kiernan Plaza today.
“When you walk in it feels like a miniature Grand Central Station,” said CEO Michael Castellana. “It’s grand and impressive. But our retail branch is an entirely different world—we are showcasing financial services technology you will not see in most credit unions or banks. It’s old world and high tech together—you can’t miss the huge video wall when you walk in.”
In the “Interactive Loan Consultation Room,” members learn about loan products and can apply for a loan via a video screen that connects with an SEFCU representative.
The “Consultation Hut” is the place to sit down with an SEFCU representative. “We have one person on hand, who can also take members back to speak with staff about more complex transactions, like mortgages,” said Castellana.
Station Renamed Kiernan Plaza
The building, known today as Kiernan Plaza, is owned by a management company connected with the SUNY Ploytechnic Institute in Marcy, N.Y. SEFCU’s office takes up 22,000 square feet, about half the station’s retail space. Castellana said the school is looking to attract companies focused on technology the station to create a “smart city space.”
Union Station received 96 trains per day and up to 121 per day during World War II.
“In addition to providing Kiernan Plaza with an advanced functionality banking facility, we are ready to offer financing to other companies that occupy this facility,” said Castellana.
SEFCU has 48 locations and moved to Kiernan Plaza in August. Union Station was renamed Kiernan Plaza in 1986 when Peter Kiernan, president of Norstar Bancorp, Inc., completed a $14.5 million renovation of the historic building. Union Station had remained unused since 1968, when it was closed after the Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station opened.
Banks had been former occupants at Kiernan Plaza, which, before the $3-billion SEFCU arrived, was vacant since 2009. At the height of its use, Union Station received 96 trains per day and up to 121 per day during World War II.
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