Fairfield County Bank today released an artist’s rendering of its new Westport branch at Post Road East and Compo Road South and said it intends to rebuild a brick wall—but on a smaller scale—that had long surrounded the property.
An artist’s rendering of the new Fairfield County Bank branch at Post Road East and Compo Road South in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
“As a part of the site preparation, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) required the brick wall that stands on the property be removed because DOT had determined the wall was too high and obstructed vehicles sight line, potentially creating a safety issue,” the bank said in a statement.
“The brick wall will be replaced with a new brick wall which will be four feet high and will closely match the former wall. The bank is committed to creating a building that reflects the character of Westport.”
A picture on WestportNow of the destroyed wall had drawn criticism from readers, some of whom said they had no intention of doing business with the bank as a result. (See WestportNow Oct. 21, 2008)
Paul S. McNamara, chairman of the board of Fairfield County Bank, said the new bank building “will be reflective of the architecture of the area and of the bank’s other buildings throughout Fairfield County.”
He added: “We are sensitive to the community’s pride in their town and desire to bring to them a building that is fitting to the heritage of Westport.”
The bank official said the new building has been designed by Doyle and Coffin Architecture of Ridgefield.
“The Adams-style design plan includes the use of a brick exterior and the conservation and protection of many of the trees now located on the property,” McNamara said.
Fairfield County Bank is a community-based bank with 23 offices throughout Fairfield County.
