When Academy Bank set out to build a flagship retail banking center in the grand lobby of 1201 Walnut — an iconic skyscraper in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, they turned to Falkbuilt Kansas City. The goal? To create a highly efficient space within a compact 700-square-foot footprint while enhancing the bank's functionality and client experience.

The result is a sleek, modern retail banking center that serves as a welcoming “front door to the financial institution’s headquarters located floors above it”. Designed to optimize convenience, the lobby walk-up counter provides a fast, seamless banking experience, allowing associates to serve clients quickly.

Prefab Construction + Modern Banking Innovation

This state-of-the-art branch offers a variety of features designed to meet the needs of banking clients:

• Client Engagement Area: Equipped with full-service in-person and video banking, along with a Smart ATM for added convenience.

• Solid Walls with Integrated Technology: Office spaces provide a private, secure environment where clients can interact with associates virtually or in-person, connecting with the right experts to address their individual financial needs.

• Natural Light and Acoustic Design: Glass walls and doors allow natural light to flow freely, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Acoustic features like paneled ceilings and green textile baffles in Academy Bank's signature brand color enhance privacy and reduce noise.

Full Project Clarity + Seamless Execution

Falkbuilt’s proprietary Echo technology played a vital role in the project’s success. By integrating seamlessly with the architect’s Revit files, the design and construction process achieved full clarity and collaboration. Once the design was finalized, Falkbuilt digital components were manufactured offsite, flat packed, and shipped to the jobsite within 4 weeks. The banking center was walled off during construction, with the intention of maintaining customer convenience and to deliver a big reveal once complete - a quick, clean installation was achieved in just 14 days!

“The client did not want to inconvenience customers or interrupt other tenants, so a short downtime was a major priority,” remembers Vicki Allenbrand, Director of Interior Construction at Falkbuilt Kansas City, whose team has a very positive relationship with Academy Bank and completed 3 floors of interior construction for their HQ offices, in the same building.

Scott McCleary,General Contractor for both Academy Bank projects had this to say about working with Falkbuilt Kansas City: “The product was great. Everything was delivered on time. The crew was great - professional and got the job done quickly and efficiently. I said to a colleague, ‘Those Falkbuilt guys really know what they’re doing!’ We recommend Falkbuilt and they'll be my first call on our next project.”

Fresh Design + Future Proof

While constructing a modern branch inside the lobby of an existing office building, great care was taken to preserve the original stone finishes. By using the kiosk-like design with raised flooring and offsite prefabricated walls, this structure could be fully removed and repurposed, with no damage to the original materials.

The Academy Bank retail banking center at 1201 Walnut is a demonstration of thoughtful design, innovative construction, and an unwavering customer-centric focus, prioritizing the needs of clients, building relationships + fostering loyalty, for the future.