Union Bank Place

When Union Bank had the opportunity to relocate to a historic banking center designed by I.M. Pei, they embraced the chance to merge architectural legacy with modern banking services. Pei originally envisioned the lobby as a seamless extension of the outdoors, featuring a multi story volume filled with natural light and living trees. Over the last fifty years, however, the space lost much of its vibrancy. Union Bank partnered with the design team to restore the lobby’s energy, strengthen community engagement, and create a renewed sense of place. The café, one of three distinct interior pavilions, became a defining moment in this transformation. With the addition of a new café as an anchor within the public lobby, the design needed to harmonize three identities: Pei’s architectural intent, Union Bank’s brand, and the coffee shop’s character. Guided by a “do no harm” approach, the café pavilion was positioned in an area previously occupied by carpet and cubicles. This central location allowed the café to function as the heart of the lobby with minimal physical impact on the historic structure. Surrounding the sculptural form of the pavilion, a variety of seating types are integrated to offer usable space to the public and further redefine the environment. Along the east edge, the design repurposes existing cast in place concrete sills, integrating them into new bench seating in a way that preserves the original material. Material selection became central to the design strategy, with modern finishes chosen to bridge the historic architecture and the newly introduced café pavilion. White oak, selected for its soft color and texture, complements the raw concrete and provides a warm, welcoming counterpoint. The channeling in the upholstery and the layered, laminated wood pay homage to the exposed formwork lines of Pei’s board formed concrete and the vertical ornamentation of the nearby Stuart Building, while the navy blue upholstery pulls in a softened interpretation of UBT’s blue, acting as a neutral that harmonizes easily with the surrounding materials. The dark café tile aligns with the high-contrast brand identity of the coffee shop, and it is laid in a stacked pattern to reference Pei’s waffle ceiling and exhibits a hand-made feel reminiscent of the original brick flooring. Sinuous accent lighting traces the curves of each pavilion, highlighting key areas and creating a dynamic visual experience. Adaptable enough to support brand moments such as Union Bank blue or Husker red, the lighting system offers a soft, ambient glow for everyday use. In the evening, the illuminated café becomes a beacon within the downtown landscape, extending the building’s presence beyond its walls and inviting community interaction. Through a careful balance of preservation and modernization, the once dull lobby has been transformed into a lively hub that celebrates its architectural roots and welcomes contemporary activity. With the integration of the café, the revitalized space elevates the banking experience and reinforces its role as an accessible, engaging destination for the community.