Independent Banker - April 2020 - 78

CONNECTIONS
Midland Lofts
required a major
renovation and
now features
modern
amenities.
Harms says the project had its challenges. In
addition to needing a general contractor, the
community bank had to find specialists in electrical,
plumbing and heating, glass and security
to execute the revamp. " We knew that renovating
a building with an original structure from the late
1800s was going to have some interesting renovation
situations along the way, " he adds.
Another key to the project's success was the
fact that Midland States Bank executives worked
closely with the team of contractors. Harms says
having a clear vision from the start helped the
work move along smoothly.
" For us, the most exciting part of the project
was being able to repurpose an underutilized
property in our downtown area, " he says. " It was
a fun project, because it was different than other
projects we have done in the past. "
occasionally used the building-until staff came up with a
better idea.
" We have management and executive-level employees
who relocate to our Effingham area, " Harms says. " We realized
that we could provide a solution while also reinvesting
in a historic community building. "
The apartments are available to rent for employees of
Midland States Bank, Inc. The long-term rental apartments
come with a fee, but the bank provides short-term units free
of charge to employees visiting from outside of Effingham.
" If a Midland employee who works primarily in a different
market needs to travel to Effingham for work, we can provide
them with a short-term unit in the heart of our downtown, "
Harms says.
More than a lick of paint
During the renovation, Midland States Bank outfitted the
building with upscale amenities, from a fitness center and a
theater room to private offices and meeting rooms.
" For us, the most exciting
part of the project was
being able to repurpose
an underutilized property
in our downtown area. "
-Lee M. Harms, Midland States Bank
78 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q April 2020
Maintaining a community connection
Building Midland Lofts has helped Midland States Bank
deepen its commitment to Effingham. " We understand that
each community has unique and specific needs, " Harms
says. " Our goal is to come alongside and ensure that we
are creating effective relations in the communities that we
are fortunate to serve. Effingham has a special place in our
hearts and is an important part of our Midland story. "
Harms sees Midland Lofts as a way to preserve part of
the bank's corporate history within the town. " Most notably,
we were able to preserve a portion of the historic Effingham
State Bank logo mosaic at the front entrance and provide an
unusual workspace within an old bank vault, " he says.
The project also enhances the downtown area, which has
seen a boom in recent years. " New restaurants, shops and
community events make [staying downtown] a highlight for
out-of-town visitors, " Harms says. " We think it is great that
our corporate tenants can provide patronage directly into
our small business community. "
So far, employees have seen a positive response. " We have
had a lot of people staying there, " says Harms, " and we have
been getting really good comments from them about the
apartments and also the amenities in general. "
What does the future have in store for Midland Lofts?
" One thing we are looking at is whether the facility would
be more usable if we were to create a different breakdown
of short-term, intermediate-term and long-term rooms, "
Harms says. " As a result, we may change some things around
in some of the rooms as we get more information on this. "
William Atkinson is a writer in Illinois.
Independent Banker - April 2020

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