Gorham Savings Bank, The Grand Trunk Railway Depot, Yarmouth Maine
The Design Challenge
To design and revitalize the Grand Trunk Railroad Depot in Yarmouth, Maine while transforming the space into a restored and vibrant retail branch for Gorham Savings Bank. The Bowerbird team was honored to receive the Maine Preservation 2019 honor award for this memorable bank interior design project.
Gorham Savings Bank is a local financial institution whose commitment to serving its community’s future is matched by its desire to protect and memorialize its rich past. For the bank’s newest branch in the former Grand Trunk Depot in Yarmouth, Bowerbird worked alongside JD Design (Architect) and CAP Services (Contractor) to create a space which could balance the bank’s modern aesthetic while showcasing the building’s historic elements.
Yarmouth’s Grand Trunk Depot was built in 1906, then served as a passenger rail for several decades before officially closing in 1960. The Yarmouth Village Improvement Society purchased the depot, protecting the historic space, and preventing its demolition. These preservation efforts helped to maintain the integrity of the existing building and layout, allowing Bowerbird to insert and implement the strict and specific requirements of a functioning retail branch for Gorham Savings Bank.
Design Highlights and Features
- Bowerbird used an architectural wall and glass system called DIRTT because no walls could be constructed. The system was clad in textiles for acoustics and privacy. The frame was custom stained wrapped veneer to connect to the rich woods of the interior. Since the system is largely made of glass, it lets in plenty of Natural light adding to the openness and transparency.
- Historic Art Work was curated to showcase the building’s rich past.
- A new break space was created for staff in the depot’s original luggage storage space.
- Original wood on the walls and floors was carefully cleaned as no sanding was allowed.
- A banking pod was designed to greet customers, offering a sit down option on one side.