For more than a decade, Westfield Bank’s Commercial Lending team has called the 23rd floor of Tower Square home. This summer, that presence grew significantly, bringing more of the Bank’s commercial lending administration and servicing operations into one space.
The expansion followed Westfield Bank’s sale of its Exchange Street property in Chicopee, Massachusetts to the City of Chicopee for use as its public schools administrative offices. The timing created an opportunity for the Bank to unite key lending functions, and Tower Square was a natural fit. Working closely with Tower Square’s ownership and management team, the Bank expanded its 23rd-floor space to include the Credit and Loan Administration and Loan Servicing Departments.
“Bringing these teams together allows us to collaborate more closely throughout the entire commercial lending process,” said Kevin O’Connor, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Westfield Bank. “This was a big undertaking on a tight deadline, and Tower Square management made it as easy as possible for us.”
Effecting a fast transition required a total team effort. Renovations on the 23rd floor began in April, with Bank employees moving over in early July as contractors put in the finishing touches. O’Connor had been in discussions with Tower Square management for months leading up to the move, coordinating the expansion within the Bank as Tower Square relocated tenants to make the space available.
The expanded space covers approximately 11,930 square feet, or 75% of the 23rd floor, with room for additional growth. The Bank has had a full-service branch and ATM on the ground floor of Tower Square for over twenty years servicing the needs of the downtown community. The move brings the Bank’s employment in the building to over forty people.
According to O’Connor, having Commercial Lending, Credit and Loan Administration, and Loan Servicing in the same location creates a natural synergy. “Working side by side, teams can talk to one another and work together more easily,” he said, for greater efficiency and the responsive, personal, local service Westfield Bank customers expect.
For Westfield Bank, the expansion represents more than just extra office space. It renews the Bank’s longstanding commitment to Tower Square and Springfield as it creates a stronger home base for its commercial lending operations. Westfield Bank is happy to expand its presence in downtown Springfield.
