Bankers have often built their buildings with materials like stone, brick and cement to symbolize the institution’s strength, stability and staying power.
Renasant Bank leaders will project more modern symbolism in their new glassy, Memphis headquarters that is to open in September in the heart of East Memphis’ Poplar Corridor.
“Retail banking has changed a lot over the years,” said project architect Jason Weeks, a senior associate at LRK. “In the old days it was ‘Your money is safe inside a fortress, a really heavy box that makes you feel safe.’
“Well, now retail banking is open, and we want to highlight that. We want to allow the glass to open that up and invite people in more,” he said of the $15 million building at 5575 Poplar. “Your money is still just as safe. But it’s an opportunity to really reach out to the community.”