SAVANNAH, Ga. –Center Parc Credit Union held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its Savannah flagship financial center at the construction site, 5698 Ogeechee Road, an outparcel in the Kroger complex within the Berwick community.
The $5-million, 6,200-square-foot project becomes Center Parc’s first freestanding location in the Savannah area. The credit union said it entered the Savannah market with two branches based in large retail centers, the Pooler Walmart and the Savannah Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.
“It made sense to locate our first branches in stores where our members shop – it’s a great convenience. But our research shows there is a population in the community that could benefit from access to our services close to home,” said Donna Williams, community development liaison for Center Parc. “Members will be able to handle all transactions at this facility, from loan closings to advice and support.”
Another special feature of the new building will be a community room that groups in the community can use for meetings free of charge.
“We are building a welcoming space where members can feel comfortable,” Williams said. “We’re incorporating elements from nature, such as stone, a water feature, greenery and lots of natural light. We will have a coffee bar and a technology station for our customers.”
The site will also include a small garden outdoors to serve as a reminder of the credit union’s commitment to community gardens as a way to help members and the community at large achieve both financial and physical wellness.
To date, that commitment has consisted of financial support to gardens founded and operated by other groups, although Center Parc said it is keeping an eye out for an ideal location for a garden of its own.
Meanwhile, Center Parc said it continues to expand its footprint in Chatham County, Ga. In addition to the two store-based branches and the future flagship building, the credit union has eight branded Walgreens ATMs that is members can use for free and is considering adding some free-standing drive-up ATMs within the next year.