On the corner lot where the popular Lick-It ice cream stand once stood, PNC Bank is opening its new West Windsor branch, at 38 Princeton-Hightstown Road, with a community celebration featuring a free money giveaway, celebrity guest Joe Morris, former running back of the New York Giants, free food, and prizes. The event runs Saturday, December 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.##M:[more]##
In cooperation with the township, PNC constructed its energy efficient branch to match the vision of the town’s redevelopment plan, using a colonial design rather than its “model” design and incorporating brick that matches the brick on the West Windsor firehouse. PNC also spent more than $100,”000 for a town clock, park benches, and a covered gazebo being donated to the township at the opening.
The clock was installed with the cooperation of the Princeton Corridor Rotary Club. Ed Kornstein was “instrumental in putting the project together, working directly with the clock manufacturing company for the past year,” says Rotarian Chris Casarona. “And Scott Needham, Princeton Air, volunteered to service the clock annually.” According to Casarona, “The time will always be perfect — the clock is coordinated by satellites.” There are plaques on the building dedicated to the Rotary.
The new bank is a green branch, designed and built to be environmentally-friendly. More than 50 percent of the branch, including carpet, wall covering, and furniture fabric, was built from recycled or “green” materials. Cabinetry is made of wheat board, a byproduct of wheat processing, instead of plywood; and entryways feature carpet made of hog’s hair.
Operating costs are reduced by nearly 45 percent with maximum use of natural light, which also provides a more open and airy space for customers and employees. The super-efficient heating and air-conditioning system is powered by natural gas and electricity based on seasonal pricing benefits. Branch construction waste, including wood, steel, and cardboard, was recycled or salvaged. Non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants are used in the cooling system to protect the ozone.
“Our West Windsor branch, as well as the construction all of our free-standing branches going forward, are built according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s environmental guidelines in site planning, safeguarding water, energy efficiency, conservation of materials, and indoor environmental quality,” said Carl Lisman, executive vice president and retail market manager for PNC Bank in a press release. “New Jersey is a key growth area for PNC, and we care about the communities and consumers we serve.”
The first 100 people in line will receive an envelope that may include up to $100. Morris, the former Giants running back, will meet visitors and sign autographs from 1 to 3 p.m. Family entertainment includes a live magician act and Lulu the Clown. Refreshments will be from the Grovers Mill Coffee Company, Mr. Dee’s Famous Hot Dogs, and Wildflowers of Princeton. There will be representatives from the West Windsor Arts Council, West Windsor Township Police Department, and Princeton Junction Volunteer Fire Company.
Tours will be given by new branch manager Patrick Galager and the rest of the PNC Bank team including several area residents already working there. Nada Husseini of West Windsor is a financial services consultant. Sara Baum of Plainsboro is the teller supervisor. Uma Venkatesan and Saba Shaikh, both of Plainsboro, are tellers.
Galager brings more than 25 years of banking experience to PNC Bank. He previous worked as branch manager of Summit Bank in Princeton and has held various different banking positions over his career. Galager is a member of the Mercer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the West Windsor Committee of the Chamber.
Mercedes Ramos, the assistant branch manager, brings more than 15 years of experience to her position at PNC. She previously served as assistant manager for Summit Bank in West Windsor.
“This new branch is an investment by PNC in the health and vitality of this community,” said Galager. “We want our customers to bank with ease and confidence.” Among the amenities: The Internet Cafe with web access to conduct PNC online banking. The Business Banking Center is for small business owners and entrepreneurs to meet with a specialist to discuss business and banking needs.
Grand Opening, PNC Bank, 38 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, 609-897-7450. Free. Saturday, December 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
