Investing in Their Nebraskan Community With a Welcoming Branch

Cobalt Credit Union stands as the largest locally-owned financial institution in the vibrant Omaha metro area in Nebraska, extending its dedicated services to clients across 16 counties spanning Nebraska and Iowa. Recognizing the importance of enhancing their impact in the rural communities they serve, Cobalt Credit Union partnered with HDR to create a visionary design for their latest branch in Gretna, situated on the outskirts of Omaha.

The thoughtfully designed building assures the community that the credit union is financially invested in providing service to the area. With a focus on the dynamic juxtaposition between the high-contrast materials used to create a resilient and austere exterior against the warm, inviting interior — the entry sequence into the Gretna Branch is designed to instil a sense of awe through contrasting tones and textures. Clad with blackened zinc metal panels, the facade provides durability while expressing an elevated appreciation of character through the natural inconsistencies and patina of the material. Conversely, the bright and warm lofty interior provides ample daylight through clerestory windows.

The design utilizes a hybrid mass timber structure that emphasizes the warm, white oak glulam timber in the public space and cost-effective steel structure in the back-of-house areas. Special attention was paid to details that enhance functionality: micro-perforations in the white oak wood wall and ceiling panels for optimal acoustic performance and a networked lighting control system to help ensure consistent energy savings. Additionally, non-gender-specific restrooms make it comfortable for anyone to use the facilities. 

The open, barrier-free design on a single level fosters a safe and welcoming environment for all. To achieve clear sightlines, the building is intentionally rotated five degrees, enabling each employee workstation to view the main entry vestibule, ensuring that employees are always aware of who comes and goes from the facility. This layout also gives the customers peace of mind that they can see a team of familiar faces when they enter the building. One key challenge from an electrical perspective was keeping the lobby space as clean, open, and organized as possible. Attaining this required immense coordination with all of the project team’s disciplines to ensure every device in the lobby was thoughtfully placed and coordinated well with its surroundings. 

In addition to the similarly designed Lincoln, Nebraska, branches, Cobalt previously hired HDR to renovate a historical building in the Old Market district in Downtown Omaha to become one of the first automated teller branches. In an environment that is community-focused and contemporary, customers can interact and work virtually with Cobalt employees. The exposed brick, pendant lighting, low-iron glass windows, historic metal ceiling, furniture design, and use of wood in the space are all elements that are featured in other Cobalt locations and resonate well with the neighborhood aesthetic.

Customers and employees alike will engage in this branch for years to come as Cobalt continues to serve the public’s need for financial strategies and assistance.