An iconic business address in downtown St. Joseph is available, following the closure of United Federal Credit Union’s branch office at Main & Broad Streets. The closing actually took place almost two weeks ago, however there was no public announcement–only internal communication with UFCU customers.
A lack of public comment on social media about the closure demonstrates how the role of ‘in person’ banking offices has declined in the digital era. Most customers transact their routine business on phones or computers. They rarely need to interact with a traditional ‘bank teller’.
That new reality was underlined in a statement to MoodyOnTheMarket.com from UFCU Director of Public Relations Matt Orlando:
“United Federal Credit Union regularly evaluates how our members use our services to ensure our resources are aligned with changing preferences. While Members increasingly choose digital, mobile, and on-the-go banking options, they also enjoy strong in-person branch experiences. By combining all of our St. Joseph teams at our flagship South State Street branch, we can continue to offer personalized, in-person service, while also investing in evolving Member expectations in the digital banking space.”
Orlando pointed out that UFCU has nine full service branches in Berrien County, plus its corporate headquarters on Hilltop Road in St. Joseph. (Benton Harbor, South State Street—St. Joseph, Stevensville, Coloma, Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Bridgman, Niles North, Niles South). All have ATM’s on site.
Three employees at the former downtown office have moved to the South State Street location in St. Joseph.
The building is for sale. Orlando provided this overview of the space:
The building is approximately 19,000 square feet, two stories and a basement. The main floor features a large lobby with office spaces, the second floor features offices spaces and a conference room, and the basement can be used for storage or additional offices as needed. There are approximately 18 parking spaces that come with the building.
UFCU is not disclosing the asking price, however anyone with serious interest may contact United’s Director of Property Management, Sorin Mihalache, at (269) 982-1465.
Building History
The modernistic building sits on downtown St. Joseph’s crossroads corner, Main & Broad Streets, across from both the existing and former City Hall buildings. Local banking competitor Sturgis Bank is directly across Main.
The structure dates back 40 to 45 years, opening as the new headquarters of People’s Savings & Loan, which moved from the building that now houses St. Joseph Today at State & Pleasant Streets. PSA gave way to LaSalle Bank, which moved its headquarters from Buchanan to St. Joseph in the 90’s. LaSalle later changed its name to Edgewater Bank and remained in the location until merging with United Federal in 2021. The location then became a downtown branch office, with much of the space unused.
UFCU, whose roots go back to Whirlpool Employees Credit Union, had long been headquartered on South State Street. It built a new full service St. Joseph branch next door and moved its headquarters to Hilltop Road in a large building that previously housed Whirlpool departments and dates back to the days of Zenith Data Systems and Heathkit.