First Southern Bank started in 1935 as First Federal Savings & Loan Association. After 60 years of service as a building and loan association, First Federal Savings & Loan became a commercial bank, and has since been called First Southern Bank.

Client Need:

First Southern Bank was interested in placing a temporary branch office in Florence, AL. They decided to use modular construction in order to place a temporary building in Florence that could be removed easily if a base market was not established.

The M Space Solution:

M Space was able to meet this challenge. A 28’ x 76’ modular building was designed and manufactured with special features including a secure drop box and drive-thru teller windows. The bank’s safe area was a shell that was outfitted on site with a significantly increased floor load to accommodate the vault. The building has a Hardi-panel exterior, teller and office areas and ADA compliant restroom facilities that accommodate both the staff and customers.

Technical Innovation:

The teller window was framed in the factory and the vault area was designed as a shell that could be outfitted on site. This streamlined the project and created a huge amount of efficiency. The shell of the building was designed with a significantly increased floor load to accommodate the bank vault. The work was done on site within days.

Cost Effectiveness:

The modular bank building was designed to be easily relocated. By specifying the special design considerations early and incorporating them into the manufacturing requirements, the project costs were manageable and the need for on site construction was minimal.