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Modular construction embraced by US-based Chase Bank for new branch
It’s said the conversation about modular construction starts with the builder and the property developer. But on some projects, it’s the real estate company for this modular constructed bank.
When local commercial real estate firm CBRE based in Blue Springs, Missouri, approached Hoefer Welker Architecture about a prototype design study of buildings for its client, JPMorgan Chase Bank, the architecture company was eager to be involved.
It’s a message, in equal parts, about how all the efficiency dividends that modular construction delivers can be fully realised by starting with a real estate agent.
They are, in effect, ground zero for modular construction.
Chase Bank’s new branch in Blue Springs, Misouri, is the first of its kind built by the bank and is part of a pilot program testing modular construction.
The 306 square-metre branch opened last week, and was built in 10 sections inside a climate-controlled warehouse and then transported and installed on site.
“It’s a full-service branch, with a private client adviser, business relationship managers and we’ve got bankers who can help with investments, retirement and home loans,” said Kiley Sidman, Kansas City market director of banking for Chase Bank. “Any one of our branches that you go into, we’re going to offer that full service banking for our clients.”
The new modular design saved approximately 70 days of construction time, allowing the building to open faster than a conventionally built property.
“The takeaway from the first modular building is that it was really successful. The branch is absolutely beautiful and well put together. You can’t tell that it’s a modular building at all. Construction was efficient and enables us to quickly respond to client demand for branches as we go forward,” Sidman said.
Chase plans to bring the modular design to its other markets. The bank is developing plans to open 400 new branches and hire 3,000 people in emerging markets through to 2024.
Read Built Offsite’s forum: “An industry in development” where panellists, Chris Kakoufas (General Manager Development, CBUS Property), Damien Crough (prefabAUS Executive Chair), Nick Strongman (CEO Sensum), Robert Pradolin (Developer and Founder – Housing All Australians); and Julian White, (Director CBRE Melbourne) who discuss where the offsite construction conversation begins.
See: builtoffsite.com.au/emag/issue-15/an-industry-in-development
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