TAGGART Architects

The clean lines, exposed steel, dark natural slate, and brick veneer of Centennial Bank’s new three-story Commerce Center blends seamlessly with the mid-century modern feel of the Riverdale neighborhood. The slate veneer on the first level gives a dark, monochromatic base that seems to elevate the upper levels, while the entryway canopy’s wood-grain ceiling reaches out from the entry vestibule to give a sense of entry and scale. The architectural highlight of the building is the all-glass corner stairwell.

The first-floor interior continues with the exposed steel and wood material overtones of the exterior. Customers are welcomed into the branch and directed to the lobby teller with the view of wood slat accents, matching slate millwork, and a video monitor. The commercial lending offices are easily noticed from the lobby as the eye is drawn to a stock market LED tickertape.

The building’s second level is used for regional bank administration. Because the bank’s administration wanted to be actively connected to the branch customers, the first and second level are connected by a radiused lobby stair and a circular opening in the floor. The circular floor opening and radiused stairs are reinforced by suspended circular light fixtures and circular cloud ceilings to help organize the lobby space into notes of activity.