Nation’s first credit union unveils new state-of-the-art branch office and headquarters at 200 McGregor Street

St. Mary’s Bank marked the grand opening of a new headquarters at its historic McGregor Street location on November 12 with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas, New Hampshire Bank Commissioner Glenn Perlow, and close to 200 guests.

“The construction of this impressive modern building is a milestone for us,” said Ronald H. Covey, Jr., St. Mary’s Bank President and CEO, who presided over the grand opening ceremonies. “We now have a state-of-the-art facility to move our credit union forward and meet the financial needs of 80,000 members across New Hampshire.”

The new headquarters “is a very pivotal piece of economic development on the West Side,” said Gatsas, who was invited to speak during the event.

Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter’s District Director Chuck Gilboy presented a letter from the Congresswoman recognizing St. Mary’s “long and distinguished history as a leader” and for an “enduring presence in the Manchester community and in New Hampshire.”

St. Mary’s Bank’s new three-story, 29,000 square foot full-service branch and headquarters building at 200 McGregor Street replaces one that had been on the site since 1970 but was in need of significant updating. It features mortgage and commercial lending divisions, finance, human resources and executive administration offices along with a four-lane drive-up banking structure and additional drive-up ATM.

During his remarks, Covey expressed appreciation for the many New Hampshire businesses that contributed to the design and construction of the new building, including Lavallee Brensinger Architects, Harvey Construction, Stibler Associates, Jutras Signs, Image 4, McGowan Fine Arts and SJT Systems.

Mayor Gatsas, Bank Commissioner Glenn Perlow, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce President Robin Comstock, Harvey Construction President Bill Stevens, Barry Brensinger of Lavalle Brensinger Architects and St. Mary’s Bank Chairman Gina Balkus, joined Covey to help cut the ribbon for the new headquarters.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy music and refreshments and tour the new building.

St. Mary’s Bank has a long association with its 200 McGregor Street address. The credit union built its first official headquarters, known as the Marble Building, on the same site in 1930. In 1970, St. Mary’s replaced the building to meet the needs of a growing membership. In 2007, the credit union board of directors decided it was once again time to rebuild to better serve members and the community and evaluated options over several years.

Construction of the new facility began in July 2012, and was completed over a seventeen-month period, on time and on budget. One of the major benefits to new construction was the integration of technology throughout the building, better supporting employees and improving member service.

A key consideration for the design and construction team was how to create a modern, expanded facility while making the least environmental impact. To that end, the building has many green features. Photovoltaic cells on the drive-up canopy generate electricity, interior and exterior LED and high-performing light fixtures help conserve energy, and even the building’s steel structure is made with recycled materials.

“I am proud to say the process of securing LEED certification is well underway,” said Covey. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a rigorous program that provides third-party verification of green buildings.

As guests toured St. Mary’s new building on Tuesday night, marketing director Elizabeth Stodolski and other tour leaders pointed out decor that referenced the credit union’s Franco-American roots, connections to the area mills, and honored its founders and former leaders.

Member Open House to Celebrate Headquarters Grand Opening
St. Mary’s Bank will host an open house for members and the public at 200 McGregor Street on Friday, November 15, offering refreshments, giveaways and tours of the new headquarters. Tours will be conducted from 10:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About St. Mary’s Bank
Founded in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1908, St. Mary’s Bank is the first credit union in the nation. It makes progressive financial products and services available and affordable to consumers and businesses. Members enjoy excellent service, competitive rates, low fees and state-of-the-art banking services. Headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, St. Mary’s Bank has locations in Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford, Nashua and Concord. Call 1-888-786-2791 or visit www.stmarysbank.com for more information.