LKC Financial Facilities Spotlight: WEOKIE Federal Credit Union

By: Tom Mooney

Here at L. Keeley, we value our customers and take pride in providing exceptional service. Our teams work hard to build long-lasting relationships with our partners and our Financial Facilities team has continued to strengthen their partnership with WEOKIE Federal Credit Union. With two completed projects and one currently in-progress, L. Keeley is excited to continue working with WEOKIE in the future.

WEOKIE South Penn Branch

Oklahoma City, OK | Renovation | 2018 | 16,000 Square Feet

The existing South Penn location for WEOKIE was originally constructed over 25 years ago using a segmented design/bid/build approach, thus resulting in problems from the start. Budget and scheduling issues affected construction and the building leaked almost from the beginning. It has been voted one of the ugliest buildings in Oklahoma on several occasions.

WEOKIE made the decision to call in the integrated PLAN | DESIGN | BUILD team at L. Keeley to transform the damp and problematic space into something new. The transformation included removal of leaky skylights and replacement with clerestory glass using only vertical glazing; replacement of all the metal flashing on the building; resurfacing of metal panels that had always appeared soiled and chalky; the addition of windows to bring natural light into the first floor; and a new paint scheme to enliven the existing masonry walls.

The interior was transformed using modern finishes and materials creating a light, vibrant look. Rearranging the functions of the building brought all member services functions to the first floor for ease of access. The second floor was transformed into a standalone department that is not branch related. Upgraded HVAC systems, new thermal glazing of existing windows, and energy-efficient LED lighting were other key components of the work. With these new upgrades, WEOKIE realized their dream of an appealing, trouble-free facility for many years to come.

WEOKIE North Penn Branch

Oklahoma City, OK | New Branch Construction | 2018 | 4,500 Square Feet

Continuing their commitment to better serve their members and striving to increase membership, WEOKIE made the decision to place a branch in the North Oklahoma City area. Using a prototype design developed with the L. Keeley Team, the new 4,500 square foot branch expanded the Credit Union’s footprint in another growing area of town.

The North Penn Branch is defined by its use of natural light to create an inviting, welcoming environment for the members. Every office has large windows to the exterior and the lobby is bathed in sunlight throughout. This is a full-service branch with self-service safe deposit boxes, drive-up lobby tellers, and all member services available upon walk-in.

WEOKIE Executive Office Building

Oklahoma City, OK | New Building Construction | In-Progress | 35,000 Square Feet

As a reflection of their unprecedented growth and community impact, WEOKIE is building this state-of-the-art Administrative Building to accommodate the needs of their growing team. The building will serve as a testament to the deliberate commitment WEOKIE’s leadership has made to growth through service in the Oklahoma City community.

The new 35,000 square foot building will include attributes to allow or speedy recovery from disasters such as an emergency generator and partial basement. Two floors will be occupied immediately, with one floor being set aside for future use. Demonstrating L. Keeley and the Credit Union’s focus on planning, the site and the building have been configured to allow for future addition should the need ever arise.

In addition, a freestanding branch for the Credit Union is being constructed on the site to serve the financial needs of the members in this growing Oklahoma City area.