New Glarus Bank Design/Build

Project Narrative

Monroe, WI — $500,000 

In 2021, the Bank of New Glarus began its journey to design and build what they envisioned as the premier banking experience in Green County. They ultimately decided to purchase a piece of property in the heart of Monroe which at the time was occupied by a long-standing produce supermarket. Of the four Bank of New Glarus sites in Green County, this facility would be designed to provide their banking customers and the community with an experience like no other. Part of that design would include a community room, which the public would have access to after hours for community meetings and events.

The first task for the Bank of New Glarus project was assembling a design team. This design team oversaw laying out all the electrical needs for this facility including lighting, power, and data systems. Once the design was created, weekly design review meetings were scheduled with the bank's representatives and Keller. Each meeting was very productive as every trade was able to share their ideas and collectively, we were able to design the building that stands today.

Safety was a huge factor that PDC did not waiver from. With the safety of our employees being a number one priority, we started every day by going over any safety issues and how to prevent or control accidents and incorporated weekly toolbox talks. We set the pace on this project for safety awareness. The jobsite stayed accident-free during the 8½ months of construction.

PDC had to overcome the difficult obstacle of keeping power on not only to the construction site but also to a next-door retail center. The original produce market and the next-door retail center were fed from a single transformer in a looped system. A new temporary service was put in place to keep the construction moving forward while the retail center used the power from the existing transformer until designated transformers were set in place for each facility. PDC worked hand in hand with Diggers Hotline to ensure all live and abandoned utilities got marked before any disturbance took place.

During construction, the only difficulty PDC faced was equipment lead times. As you may know, Covid took a huge toll on the industry putting manufacturers way behind on production. In this instance, the audio visual equipment had lead times of at least a year. To overcome this PDC teamed with Automation Arts in which we were able to provide a temporary system throughout the facility to ensure the bank could still function properly until the equipment arrived.

Some key features that set this bank apart from others in the area are the specialty lighting, electric vehicle charging station, and the photovoltaic solar array system.

Specialty Lighting

PDC teamed up with Keller's interior decorator and Mlazgar Associates to produce the specialty lighting that is installed today. Some unique areas to highlight include the main entrance and commons area. As you walk into the main entrance you will notice the ceiling to be a wood-paneled grid construction. PDC was able to provide an integrated ceiling panel fixture with a remote LED driver to provide adequate lighting throughout. In the commons space, PDC utilized suspending moon rings varying in 2' and 3' diameter to not only light the space but also as a unique attribute. Lastly, PDC utilized suspending cove lights in the commons space to glow the bank's cupola at night.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Midway through construction the bank asked PDC if they would be willing to install an electric vehicle charging station. PDC willingly accepted as this would be only the second public-use charger in Green County. PDC installed a Sema Connect Series 8 EV Charger. One key attribute of this charger is its capability of charging two vehicles at a time while providing 7.2kW per hour worth of charge per port. In addition to its charging capabilities, the programmability is second to none. The bank is easily able to modify charging fees in a matter of seconds whether they want to charge the general public or provide free charging to its customers and employees.

Solar Array System

The last key feature to discuss is the bank's solar system. PDC teamed with SolEnergy in designing and the installation of the free-standing system. Two separate arrays were mounted on the bank's roof, utilizing weighted blocks to ensure no holes were made into the EPDM rubber roof. Between the two arrays, there were 82 total solar panels installed, resulting in 100 amps worth of power that can feed to the utility grid to reduce the bank's energy costs.

The overall project turned out as a huge success. Thanks to the planning and collaboration between Keller and the MEP's, we created the premier banking experience in Green County. Everyone involved pitched in to deliver what every customer wants and deserves – a safe installation, quality service, on time, and within budget.