Accord Architecture

Designing a financial institution or even a portion of such a building can be very rewarding. The Welcome Home Center is an area of First Citizens National Bank that is devoted to welcoming clients to a warm, home like environment in order to discuss their mortgage and other banking features.

This 2008 project is successful in achieving the goal of welcoming clients home.

This substantial project for Kanabec State Bank in Mora, Minnesota involved the removal of an existing industrial building on Highway 23 in Mora. The existing building's concrete was crushed and ground into small gravel size pieces and used under the building and parking lot. This recycling idea along with other green techniques, such as daylighting in the atrium area, are only part of what makes this bank so unique. Kanabec State Bank has been serving the community of Mora for more than 80 years. KSB hired Accord to design a financial institution that would be a visible icon for the community for for many years to come. The design incorporates a "Northwoods" style with a blend of contemporary elements to create an exciting, yet very efficient and functional bank. Heavy-wood timber structural elements along with stone, brick, wood and a fireplace provide the "Northwoods" feel, while curving bulkheads and flat-screen TV's are contemporary elements incorporated into the design. This project was completed in 2008.

A long time client of Accord, First Citizens National Bank purchased a former insurance building on the west side of Mason City, Iowa. Accord's task was to renovate the entire building to serve as the main bank for FCNB. This occured more than 10 years ago, and the bank has been thrilled with the success of this building. In fact, FCNB has hired Accord numerous times for the design of facilities in various North Iowa communities, such as Clarion, Charles City, Osage and others. Most recently, FCNB hired Accord for the renovation of a small area in the main bank at Mason City to convert the space into an comfortable "home" setting. This "Welcome Home" mortgage area was completed in 2008 and opened to rave reviews.

In 2002, First Citizens National Bank in Clarion, Iowa hired Accord to renovate their existing facility in downtown Clarion. Accord redesigned the teller area, loan officer and loan assistant areas, vault and workrooms. The new design incorporates similar color, materials and forms to the main bank in Mason City, Iowa, also designed by Accord.

In 2008, Accord was again hired by FCNB to renovate the exterior of the bank and add a canopy for drive-through teller service. This project is currently in the design phase.

Bank of America hired Accord to renovate their existing downtown facility in Mason City, Iowa. A reduction in the bank size at the main level was necessary, as well as a redesign of the teller line. Accord worked with Bank of America to streamline their building needs. The existing building includes a skylit atrium area with insurance and other functions at the second floor.

Greenbelt Bank & Trust of Iowa Falls hired Accord to design this new branch facility in Ackley, Iowa. This brick and stone structure was well received in Ackley because of the historical details incorporated into the design by Accord. The "sun-ray" dormer/gable-end pattern used was derived from a historical depot in downtown Ackley. Other elements replicated for use on this bank from the historical Ackley depot are the corbel brackets used under the soffits, the window patterns and even the brick color. The architecture of this bank is intended to reinforce the community pride of Ackley.

This small branch bank in Alden, Iowa is constructed of brick and stone, with wood framing and asphalt shingles. The design has a residential appearance to blend with neighboring houses, but also helped to reduce construction costs.

The exterior of Manufacturers Bank & Trust in Forest City, Iowa was in need of a face lift due to the very dated stone pebble panels used when the building was originally constructed. In 1998, Accord was hired to design a new appearance for the exterior of this building. Exterior Insulation Finish System (E.I.F.S.) was chosen as the best application for this re-skinning as no additional structural elements would be required and the extisting wall framing could remain intact. As part of this project, Accord's design straightened the face of the overhangs to remove the curved fascia appearance. This clean-lined building elements and E.I.F.S. appearance was well received by the customers and has given the building new life.

Accord's design of a branch bank for First Citizens in downtown Mason City, Iowa includes the use of E.I.F.S. and precast concrete. The vaulted interior space includes walk-up teller access as well as meeting and office spaces. A full basement, a two-lane drive through canopy and a single ATM lane are provided. This project was designed in 1996.