City and Chase Bank at Odds Over ATM Design in Downtown Columbia

COLUMBIA – A Friendly Disagreement Over an ATM

In an intriguing development in downtown Columbia, a headline-grabbing disagreement has emerged between the city and Chase Bank regarding the ATM setup at their branch on Lady Street. As the city works to uphold its design standards, it looks like a little patchwork project is about to unfold.

The Situation at the ATM

The heart of this matter lies with the brand-new Chase Bank branch located in the bustling ground floor of the shiny Palms 1101 apartments at the intersection of Assembly and Lady streets. The ATM, which has become every bit as essential as the bank itself, has been at the center of some city drama. The Design and Development Review Commission has raised a red flag about the stucco surrounding the ATM—claiming it doesn’t align with the original design plans that included a more aesthetically pleasing paneling option.

The bank’s area was supposed to give off a modern yet welcoming vibe to trickle down into the rest of the building’s lively atmosphere. When the initial plans called for an all-glass facade meant to attract a dining establishment, it surely would’ve brought an inviting ambiance to the area. However, when the restaurant couldn’t be found, the Chase Bank took residence instead, opening its doors in 2022.

What Happened to the Original Plans?

To accommodate the bank, some alterations were made to the storefront—most notably, the removal of expansive windows around the ATM in favor of stucco. City officials, however, were adamant that specific paneling was part of the agreement, creating a bit of friction as they instructed the bank to make the necessary changes. Lucinda Statler, the city Planning Administrator, shared her thoughts at a recent meeting, stating, “It just looks a little like a patch, because that’s what it was.” That’s some honest feedback!

Bank Officials Speak Out

In response, the project manager for Chase Bank, David Counts of BDG Architects, voiced significant concerns. He explained that replacing the stucco with the originally approved paneling wouldn’t just be a cosmetic issue; it would also negatively impact the ATM’s functionality and could disrupt customer access. “(The bank) would be very unhappy with any additional work,” Counts mentioned, emphasizing how essential it is to keep the ATM accessible, given that this is the only Chase location downtown and has been quite busy.

Finding Common Ground

Despite the request to add paneling, the bank suggested painting the stucco in a darker shade for a better match with the building’s aesthetic, but that idea was swiftly turned down. Both sides seem to have their fair share of frustrations, and in the meeting, there was some confusion on how the modifications made it to construction without proper city approval. Counts clarified, “It wasn’t an intentional disregard, I can tell you that.”

A Potential Pause for the Bank

As discussions continue, the timeline for any changes has yet to be established by city officials, but it could lead to a temporary bank closure. Imagine the impact that could have on customers who rely on this branch! Yet, if history tells us anything, this isn’t the first time city officials have had to step in over compliance matters—just earlier this year, they required a local car wash to repaint its roof to comply with original design standards.

Looking Ahead

With so much going on, it will be fascinating to see how this ATM situation progresses. It’s a blend of business, design, and community needs all rolled into one—and there’s no doubt we’ll be keeping a close eye on how it unfolds. At the end of the day, Columbia aims to preserve its charm while ensuring local businesses thrive. Stay tuned!