Interior of Stories Coffee at Union Bank Place in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska with modern finishes and street-level storefront

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Union Bank and Trust

Union Bank Place

The Union Bank Place, nestled in the heart of downtown Lincoln, Nebraska on 13th and “O” Streets, is a historic downtown banking center. Originally known as the NBC Bank Center and most recently the Wells Fargo Center, Union Bank and Trust desired to revive the banking center and make their new location a hub for small businesses.

The building was originally built in 1976 and designed by IM Pei with a unique Nebraska-shaped building with a rich banking history and architectural detail. The goal was to seamlessly blend the historical aspects with some modern touches designed to keep up with banking needs now and in the future.

The overall fundamentals of the design were to do no harm and preserve the original interior architecture and honor the original intent of the space – to be designed as a public space that encourages public access. Union Bank requested the space to be activated for the community, keep the feel of Nebraska and create a local, warm and inviting first floor lobby and community space.

This project contributes to Sinclair Hille Architects’ broader portfolio of commercial and mixed-use work throughout Lincoln.

Glass-walled conference room at Union Bank Place overlooking downtown Lincoln, Nebraska street frontage

Mezzanine meeting space at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska featuring indoor plants and floor-to-ceiling glass

Main floor banking area at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska with teller stations and integrated greenery

Sinclair Hille Architects worked to mix the new elements with the original designs. Wood built elements were locally sourced and created to contrast the shapes from the original hard and linear to round and soft. The end finish of the wood is very similar in color to the concrete which compliments the concrete and softens the look to make it more welcoming. The original tree was incorporated into the space by adding additional live plants and lighting to highlight the greenery and brighten the space. The lighting continues into the evening when it glows Union Bank blue.

Union Bank’s small business department was relocated to Union Bank place including a multipurpose space for local businesses to use for meetings and conferences and a small business hub including a space for small “pop-up” shops to sell their wares. This blend of banking, retail, and flexible gathering space reflects a growing demand for mixed-use commercial environments in Lincoln’s urban core.

In addition to all of its unique offerings, Union Bank Place will also host a full-service branch — and a mortgage loan officer.

A second client, Stories Coffee Co, was incorporated into the space. The exceptional collaboration with the client kept within their brand and fit their finishes within the design which became a significant element of the space.

The upper level Atrium provides an executive board room that overlooks the banking lobby, coffee shop and community areas. The second floor includes offices for Union Bank’s student loan department.

The integration of hospitality, workplace, and financial services creates a layered user experience similar to other downtown revitalization efforts such as the Railyard development.

Interior conference room at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska with glass partitions and natural light

Lobby area at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska featuring indoor foliage and flexible pop-up retail space

Interior connection between conference room and Stories Coffee at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska

Sinclair Hille worked with some amazing partners including the Union Bank Facilities department, Brester Construction, Engineering Technologies, Inc. and R.O. Youker. For Stories Coffee Co, we worked in collaboration with Breanna Cortinas from JH Interior Design studio out of Omaha.

Office workspace at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska with glass-walled offices and open cubicle layout

Café seating area at Union Bank Place in Lincoln, Nebraska with views of downtown and the Nebraska State Capitol