A local bank is making sure its building blends in with a historic neighborhood.
In March demolition crews took down the Hotel Berwick. It was historic but had been abandoned for years. Now a new bank is being built on the spot.
There are a lot of historical buildings in Berwick and the bank is trying to fit in with that theme.
"There have been a lot done with the properties on the street. You have the churches which are very beautiful buildings, you have the Jackson Mansion which is on the street and we wanted to do something that would tie into the existing architecture," said Lance Diehl of First Columbia Bank and Trust.
He added it's not only the outside of the building that is getting attention, what's inside is special too. The interior will feature bricks from the old Hotel Berwick.
"We built a memorial wall inside the building, also on that wall we're building a ceramic tile mural that depicts the historic buildings in Berwick.
Some said it's unusual for a bank to spend the extra money to preserve history and have a historic look.
"Whenever you build to a little higher standard it's always a little more interesting and fun than doing just a standard branch, you know," said project manager Chuck Corbett.
Surveyor Jim Coleman said he is glad the bank is doing what it can to preserve Berwick's history.
"So the younger generations know what was here years ago," Coleman said. "It's good for memories and for people to look back on."
The new first Columbia Bank and Trust Company building will open next month.
In March demolition crews took down the Hotel Berwick. It was historic but had been abandoned for years. Now a new bank is being built on the spot.
There are a lot of historical buildings in Berwick and the bank is trying to fit in with that theme.
"There have been a lot done with the properties on the street. You have the churches which are very beautiful buildings, you have the Jackson Mansion which is on the street and we wanted to do something that would tie into the existing architecture," said Lance Diehl of First Columbia Bank and Trust.
He added it's not only the outside of the building that is getting attention, what's inside is special too. The interior will feature bricks from the old Hotel Berwick.
"We built a memorial wall inside the building, also on that wall we're building a ceramic tile mural that depicts the historic buildings in Berwick.
Some said it's unusual for a bank to spend the extra money to preserve history and have a historic look.
"Whenever you build to a little higher standard it's always a little more interesting and fun than doing just a standard branch, you know," said project manager Chuck Corbett.
Surveyor Jim Coleman said he is glad the bank is doing what it can to preserve Berwick's history.
"So the younger generations know what was here years ago," Coleman said. "It's good for memories and for people to look back on."
The new first Columbia Bank and Trust Company building will open next month.
