BUILDING AWARDS SPOTLIGHT: Maspeth Federal
ABOVE: Maspeth Federal Savings Bank. Maspeth Federal Savings’ chic exterior brings pops of color to the Madison Avenue and Fresh Pond Road corner. Its tall glass windows allow for a transparent atmosphere, staying true to their motto: “We treat you like family.”
BY JESSICA MEDITZ
Maspeth Federal Savings, a neighborhood bank trusted by residents since 1947, has worked to further develop its presence in Queens. Its Ridgewood branch, located on the bustling Fresh Pond Road, first opened in 1998 and celebrated its grand re-opening in 2019 after it doubled in size.
The Queens Chamber of Commerce recognized the revamped building in its 2021 Building Awards in the category of Rehabilitation/Commercial.
Maspeth Federal Savings operated the Ridgewood branch only from the corner frontage at 60-60 Fresh Pond Road over the years, despite owning the neighboring 60-58 storefront as well. The nonprofit group Polonians Organized to Minister to Our Community, Inc. (POMOC) operated out of the second storefront.
Upon their decision to reconfigure the building, Maspeth Federal Savings developed an accessible workspace on the second floor for POMOC, which features new offices and amenities such as an elevator. The process of remaking the entrance to the bank took nearly a year to complete, and it was a challenge.
The building went through a total makeover — after a year of construction, visible bars on the windows transformed into a modern, sleek retail space adorned with beautiful glass windows.
Architect Chuck Whidden of B + W Architecture D.P.C., who specializes in commercial architectural design, and contractor Dan Storey of Setauket Contracting Corp. were instrumental in helping Maspeth Federal Savings achieve their desired finished product.
“Our goal was to provide an innovative and expanded banking experience to all members and visitors by bringing our vision for an open and engaging layout,” said David Daraio, senior vice president & COO of Maspeth Federal.
As for the interior design, Arthur Gilmore of Gilmore Group assisted with the building’s new layout in an optimal way. The goal was to maintain Maspeth Federal Savings’ relationship with its customers, but also evolve its services to the Universal Banker model.
“The key was to thoughtfully leverage their strongest asset: presence within the community,” according to Gilmore Group’s website. “We balanced their existing identity elements with modern branch design components, and developed a modernized façade, thereby designing for customer retention while building greater brand awareness and boosting attraction.”
Daraio recognizes the changes occurring in the industry.
“As the retail landscape is rapidly evolving, Maspeth Federal recognizes the need to continue our commitment to our communities with branch advancements to meet more complex demands,” he said.
