How PMG Delivered Huntington Bank Six Weeks Ahead of Schedule

Building Branches Builds Brands

Branding is becoming increasingly central to the evolution of branch banking. A physical branch is a vital touchpoint in creating an emotional connection with its customers. It offers a unique opportunity to reinforce a bank’s brand in ways online banking simply can’t.

Huntington Bank is at the forefront of creating engaging, distinctive, and memorable "branded environments."

PMG Partners With Huntington Bank

When Huntington Bank sought a partner to bring their vision for a new, cutting-edge branch to life in Denver, they turned to PMG Construction. Previous experience with Huntington’s Colorado corporate offices established a trust in the quality and efficiency of their work. Their proven track record made PMG the ideal fit — “The Brand of Choice.”

PMG Delivers on Huntington Bank Standard

The Challenge: Huntington Bank envisioned a branch that would be more than just a place to conduct transactions; it needed to be a true customer experience center reflecting their unique brand image. This 3,090-square-foot space at 1601 Blake St, Denver, designed by Vocon Architects, required meticulous attention to every detail that would embody Huntington’s brand and branch design standards.

Huntington Bank trusted the PMG team to do what they say they would do and work through the issues that invariably arise with quick reactions and solutions.

PMG’s Solution: Our team embraced the challenge, taking on everything from demolition to the build-out of a vibrant customer lobby, modern offices, and collaborative workspaces. We were responsible for ensuring every architectural and interior design element was perfectly executed. The use of strong brand colors, specialty lighting, custom ceiling design, distinctive furnishings, and unique architectural features reflected Huntington Bank’s high standards and expectations.

PMG Completes 16-Week Project in Just 10 Weeks

Result: The new Huntington Bank branch delivers a distinctive and engaging customer experience that will serve to build meaningful customer relationships. The interior design concept reinforces an open, inviting, and engaging environment that promotes exceptional customer service. And the quality of the work will stand the test of time. It’s been built to last.

Architectural features, plan layout, textures, and colors add to a distinctive branded environment.

Colors, textures, furnishings, windows, and lighting all contribute to the overall customer experience.

Openness, natural light, custom fixtures, and unique wall treatments create an engaging customer environment.

The Challenge: Every construction project presents its unique set of hurdles, and the Huntington Bank branch was no exception. Our commitment to delivering on time, within budget, and to the highest design standards meant proactively addressing a variety of challenges. We had to navigate tight schedules, procurement lead times, and unforeseen site conditions, among other hurdles:

• Seamless Coordination Amidst Major Renovations: The Huntington Bank project was under construction concurrently with a significant lobby renovation in the same building. Our team proactively engaged with the building management, ensuring our work stayed on track and avoided any interference with the base building’s renovation.
  

• Keeping Subcontractors On Task: Efficient coordination of the different subcontractor trades was essential. The Senior Superintendent's 20 years of experience with complex commercial interiors helped ensure effective subcontractor orchestration so they could do their jobs efficiently.
  

• Expert Navigation of Permit Delays: Permit and inspection delays are a common project roadblock, especially with design changes. As a local Colorado contractor, our deep familiarity with local permitting procedures and protocols proved invaluable, allowing us to expedite processes and meet client expectations.
  

• Beating “Impossible” Lead Times: Custom details often come with extraordinarily long lead times. The custom storefront for this project had a standard lead time of 18 weeks. Leveraging our strong relationships with vendors, we successfully procured the storefront in just 4 weeks, saving 12 crucial weeks and keeping the project on schedule.
  

• Precision Integration of Custom Elements: Coordinating diverse trades is crucial, especially when working with custom fixtures. We meticulously planned all framing, electrical, and ceiling work to ensure a precise fit for a custom light fixture, ensuring a perfect fit upon delivery.

PMG Senior Superintendent Ben Brandow juggling schedules in Smartsheet

Getting the Job Done – The PMG Difference

What truly sets PMG apart is our unwavering commitment to “doing what it takes” to ensure project success. For the Huntington Bank branch, this meant adapting to unique circumstances.

• Expanding Our Role. The architect was not local and available for on-site inspections or coordination. We stepped up, assuming additional responsibilities to facilitate timely decisions and seamless information flow through continuous engagement and communication.
  

• Going the Extra Mile. We took on additional scope from the core and shell contractor to guarantee perfect coordination with the branch’s grand opening.
  

• Streamlining the Process. Our experience and use of technology ensured we could keep everything on track. Procore construction management software helped us expedite submittals with the out-of-state architect and get ahead of lighting, glass, and flooring lead times.
  

• Overcoming Delays. The project design called for a modified entry onto the 16th Street Mall, which required approvals from Denver's Landmark Preservation Authority. It was critical to avoid regulatory delays, which we overcame by engaging Service First Permits to expedite the permit process.
  

• Coping with the Holidays. Even during the challenging Christmas season—when the construction industry often slows down—our team had to find creative solutions with our trade partners and navigate building inspections and fire department requirements to meet our deadlines.

This dedication is precisely why clients like Huntington Bank continue to partner with us on their most critical projects.

"Due to the dedication and resourcefulness of PMG's team, we were able to overcome building department challenges, accelerate our schedule, and get our space completed ahead of the original scheduled date."  Michael Myhre, Huntington Bank VP & Senior Construction Project Manager

Want Your Project Done Right?

Discover how we can help you complete your project on time and within budget.

Just give us a call (720) 583-5585 or email us at info@pmgconstruction.com

Putting Retail to Work—How Contractors Make a Difference.

Brick-and-Mortar Retail Is Still Thriving

“Despite the rise of e-commerce, nearly 85% of US retail sales still occur in-store. To attract customers to physical stores, brands must continually innovate to offer memorable experiences.”

Why experiences and discoverability drive customers to stores, EMarketer

Despite the growth of e-commerce, brick-and-mortar stores are not going away anytime soon. But retailers face their share of challenges in the modern retail landscape. Rising operational costs, competition from online retailers, and changing consumer behaviors are just a few. That’s not to mention inventory management, employee engagement, and building brand awareness. Navigating these complexities, from optimizing store layouts to ensuring on-time grand openings, is where experienced contractors become an indispensable asset, helping retailers not just open their doors, but open them for success.

5 Ways Contractors Help Retailers

As a contractor with retail experience, we can assist retailers in getting up and running in several ways. We understand that retail construction has unique challenges. There is more to it than simply time and money.

1. Time is Money

A retailer wants revenue coming through the door as soon as possible. The clock starts ticking once the lease deposit is made. Pressure is on the contractor to keep the project moving to a rapid completion. Any delays can lead to increased construction costs and lost revenue. Contractors may face higher labor expenses and even potential penalties for late performance. A delay for the retailer may lead to a loss in sales, an increase in advertising expenses, and additional rent or mortgage payments.

“In North America, 98% of construction projects face delays, on average stretching the duration of the work 37% longer than the projected scope.”

McKinsey & Company (2023) Reinventing Construction: A Route to Higher Productivity

We Can Keep You On Schedule

PMG understands the special needs of retail construction. It’s essential to adhere to a rigorous process to meet in-progress deadlines. Most importantly, we pay particular attention to long lead items, material substitutions, supply chain disruptions, subcontractor availability, and permits/inspections. Success comes by anticipating potential challenges rather than reacting to them.

2. Local Matters

Local contractors have local knowledge to get local work done better. One of the most significant factors in being local is how to navigate local building regulatory requirements, permits, and inspections. Local contractors are well-versed in the specific building codes, zoning laws, and permitting procedures applicable to the area in which they work. They understand exactly what is needed for a successful permit application and avoid common mistakes and delays. Local contractors often have established relationships with city inspectors and building department staff. These connections can help expedite the review process and provide insight into potential issues. Familiarity with the local inspection standards and procedures can make it easier to prepare for inspections and ensure they pass on the first try.

“The permitting process is a common source of delays, often involving time-consuming coordination with local authorities and maintaining compliance. Currently, this process is plagued by inefficiencies and errors due to outdated systems, human mistakes, and bureaucratic red tape.”

The Hidden Costs of Inefficient Permitting

We Will Leverage Our Local Familiarity

PMG has worked in the Denver market for over 10 years. Knowing our way around the regulatory process has been essential to keeping projects on track. Much of our success can be attributed to our reputation. Building departments and inspectors know that we don’t take shortcuts. Our credibility has built trust and confidence. That translates to an efficient process where milestones are consistently met.

3. Built to Last

Building retail facilities with low lifetime maintenance requirements is crucial for long-term cost savings, operational efficiency, and improved customer experience. We know that by prioritizing low-maintenance design and construction, retailers can reduce their ongoing expenses, ensure building systems operate smoothly, and create a more appealing and safe environment for customers.

“Investing in premium-quality building materials can streamline the construction process. High-quality materials are often easier to work with, more consistent in quality, and come with better manufacturer support. This can reduce construction times, minimize waste, and lower the overall cost of the project by reducing the need for repairs and adjustments.” Advanced Building Corporation

We Build For the Long Term

PMG's retail projects are more than just finishing the work on time and on budget. We take into account the lifetime costs of materials and construction quality that will help ensure durability. We know that retailers are challenged with increasing operational costs. Anything we can do in the construction phase to mitigate post-construction maintenance is a win for the retailer.

4. Innovation Pays

It’s common knowledge that value engineering will usually lead to cost savings without sacrificing quality. Any retailer would welcome that. For multi-unit retailers, any savings will be exponential. Which is why a multi-unit retailer will be willing to spend the extra time, effort, and sometimes cost to explore and test different ways to achieve the same design results. In fact most major retail chains will prototype one or more locations with the specific objective to test construction techniques, product performance, material alternatives, modular viability and other considerations. PetSmart, for example, prototyped several different new build and retrofit stores to test store layout configurations, product placement, fixture design, materials, lighting, and construction techniques. When you consider they have over 1600 locations, any cost and performance efficiencies are multiplied across the network.

“Efficiency lies at the heart of value engineering. By re-evaluating design choices, construction methods, and operational processes, value engineering uncovers opportunities to streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and optimize resource utilization.”

Examining the Benefits of Value Engineering

We Help Maximize Your Investment

At PMG, we are always looking for ways to save money and improve quality for our clients. We know how critical it is for a retail start-up and what an opportunity it is for a retail chain. We have experience in all different types of construction and bring that expertise to our retail clients. Being resourceful and innovative is balanced with what’s practical and viable. We don’t just build; we consult on innovative solutions from day one, helping retailers leverage value engineering to maximize their investment.

5. Brands Rely on Trust

One of the most essential principles of branding is CONSISTENCY. For multi-unit retailers, this is a challenge. Different locations and conditions make it difficult to replicate the same standard. Which is why design and brand standards are so essential in how they are interpreted and adapted to fit across a range of locations. Consistency reinforces an expectation that the service, product, and experience will always be the same. That’s how retailers build loyalty and trust. Consider how Starbucks has managed to replicate the Starbucks Experience across all of its locations, big, small, in-line, or free-standing.

“To accumulate lifelong customers, companies need to build trust. This can be accomplished through brand awareness and brand consistency.”

Brand Consistency and Why It Is Important in Building Trust

We Can Deliver on Brand Consistency

PMG understands the importance of brand consistency and the value it adds to our end-user retail client. From one location to the next, the same quality of construction, materials, and attention to detail must be maintained. Our role and responsibility are to make sure that happens.

Contractors, in general, are not necessarily too concerned about brand. What makes us different is the importance we place on brand consistency and our role in achieving that. We are one of the few, if not only, contractors to be associated with a brand management consultancy with experience in multi-unit branded environments.

PMG Gets Retail

At PMG, we understand the challenges of the retail business. We get it. It is our job to get the retailer up and running as soon as possible. We work in close collaboration with our clients, architects, suppliers, and partners to keep things moving. Helping a retailer open its doors as soon as possible is the value of construction processes and expertise that ensures progress that gets results.

If you need help with your retail construction project, just call (720)-583-5585 or email us at info@pmgconstruction.com