Services

Design

• Architecture
• Interior

Retail

• Merchandising
• Digital Signage

Build

• Construction Management

Situation

When Hurricane Rita ripped through Texas in 2005, it took with it FivePoint Credit Union's office building in Port Arthur, TX, leaving behind only structural steel and a slab of concrete. The Credit Union had plans to build a new administration building 5 -10 years into the future, but Rita pushed that timeline up a few years. FivePoint decided the Port Arthur location would be rebuilt as a store, and construction would begin on a new administrative building they had planned to build in Nederland, TX. The new administrative building would need to house their executive offices, boardroom, marketing and HR resources, all back office administration, and a data center.

Solution

In designing the new administration building, the goal was to create a motivating and evocative space for employees, beginning with the visual translation of the FivePoint brand. The interior draws from the history and roots of FivePoint's signature iconic color palette. From the point of entry, floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the interior. At night, when the glass tower is lit, the bold Texaco red can be seen by passing traffic. Brand image artwork is displayed throughout the facility, visually representing FivePoint's personality. In addition, a history wall with an antique gas pump is used as a focal piece, and pays homage to the Credit Union's past.

Enhancing the employee experience was also a design imperative. NewGround placed employee lounges at the core of the facility to encourage cross department socializing, and employee offices were positioned at the perimeter of the building so they can take advantage of the natural lighting in their work space. A fitness room, outfitted with exercise equipment, showers and lockers, was also incorporated into the design to encourage employees to stay healthy and fit. Two employee lounges, very different in theme, inject a sense of mood and ambiance into the interior. One lounge has a brighter, upbeat, diner-like motif, while a second lounge offers a more sophisticated setting with softer lighting and a bistro-like atmosphere. Another distinctive element to the facility design is an outdoor balcony and walkway on the third floor.

The administrative building also features an employee training room where new employees can be trained on the techniques and skills required to provide exceptional member service. Special attention was also placed on the creation of the data center housed within the facility. Security features of the data center tie back on self-supporting AC units, and a generator for on-site back up purposes.

Within this engaging environment, employees have been provided the tools needed to help them function at their best, and all the amenities to be appropriately awe-inspired.

"NewGround helped create our brand, so it was only natural we would partner with them to create this building and our stores. They understand how to translate and incorporate the look and feel of FivePoint into a facility design."

"We've partnered with NewGround for seven years and have a good working relationship. We've enjoyed the experience."