First National Branch Bank at Metro Crossing

Located directly off an interstate, nestled between river casinos and strip malls, this building seeks to strike a balance with the surrounding area. This 11,000 sq. ft bank opened in January of 2009 and has been a beacon for the bank branch since. The architects employed a 160 foot point supported glass cavity wall that is internally lit with colored RGB LED’s. Patterns of local prairies grass and flowers shine through the glass, attempting to ground the building to its site. The owner sought to use the building as a billboard, which led to the lit glass wall solution, while keeping the rest of the structure relatively tame to blend in with the surrounding strip mall. The glass cavity also cuts through the interior of the building creating a continual element running through the building. Although this feature is striking, the rest of the clean simple interior supports its presence. Rich, dark wood tones are contrasting as well as complementary, creating the feel and aura of traditional bank design. This balance of a conventional bank design paired with a bold element such as the LED wall creates an experience for the user that empowers stability and success.

To gain additional presence in an ever expanding area of strip malls, First National Bank desired to have an architectural feature that would help set it off from the adjacent architectural structures and create a place of visual interest and pride for the community. It showcases a dramatic element of a sweeping glass facade slicing through this traditional bank building. The architect, graphic artist and lighting designer worked in concert to design and illuminate a large graphic mural on the glass which was reminiscent of the prairie grass landscape which once covered this area of Iowa.