Architecture, Planning, Interior Design - Citizens Building & Loan

Commercial Buildings CITIZENS BUILDING AND LOAN Citizens Building & Loan is the oldest financial institution in a small Southern community thrown into the international spotlight as the result of a major industrial recruitment coup. Their current facility no longer met their needs and did not project an image in the community consistent with their distinguished history. In 1992 we were commissioned to perform a space utilization study of their existing facility with recommendations for an addition and renovations that would address their curent and projected needs. Our scope of work was subsequently expanded to include a design concept for a non site specific new facility. When a prominent downtown site became available one block from their current location, they elected to build. Planning, architecture and interior design were provided by MGF.
Their new building was designed to provide them with the best of both worlds - a state of the art financial center in a monumental building that looks as if it could have always been there. Exterior materials and design details were inspired by historic buildings downtown and, coincidentally, provide the virutually maintenance free finishes mandated by the client.
The exterior is brick with cast stone foundations, columns and trim, and a copper standing seam roof. The patios, walkways and universally accessible bridge are brick pavers accentuated with cast stone steps and wrought iron railings.
The lobby has an oak floor, paneled wainscot, marble topped teller line and a 28' high vaulted ceiling terminating in a full height Palladian window.
Traditional moldings and cabinetry are employed throughout the building. The furnishings are primarily antique reproductions accented by oriental design rugs, oil paintings, hand-colored engravings and Oriental porcelain planters.

GALLERY 522 CAFE The owner of a custom frame and art gallery interested in adding an exhibit gallery and cafe was leasing premium space in an upscale shopping center with no potential for expansion. Working with a downtown developer we were able to provide an infill design for a new two story building with basement between two historic buildings that not only appeared to be of similar vintage as its neighbors, but also included bonuses such as a landscaped courtyard for dining behind the cafe and an income producing apartment on the second floor overlooking the courtyard.


Versatile design permits hosting an exhibit opening reception in the second floor exhibit gallery while concurrently providing entertainment and dining in the ground floor cafe and courtyard. For patrons who can't make up their minds, casual circulation between the two areas is provided via a spiral stair from the ground floor custom frame gallery and storefront gift shop.