MASSENA -- SeaComm Federal Credit Union is planning a $5.1 million construction project to consolidate its Massena retail operations and expand its headquarters on Stearns Street.

The Massena consolidation and expansion will begin early 2014, with a conclusion date of mid-2015. SeaComm also plans to break ground on a new building for the Malone branch, commencing in early 2016.

“Our membership has grown more than 20 percent over the past six years; however the number of transactions at our teller line has decreased,” states President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Wilson.

The 30 Stearns St. building will receive an additional 15,870 sq. ft. to accommodate merging of the 79 Main St. branch, call center and the additional staff necessary to support the expanded service offerings and regulatory requirements.

“Due mainly to technology and members using direct deposit or other electronic channels offered, such as NetTeller, Mobile App, ATMs, and soon to be added Mobile Deposit Capture, the merging of our Massena locations will allow us to be more efficient; whereby we can put those resources back into additional products and services, at no cost to the membership,” said Wilson”

The project will take the form of a two-story addition on the back of the building with a second floor addition to continue over the existing branch, providing a full two-story building all the way around. The renovations will consist of expanded drive-thru lanes; adding of concierge and self-serve kiosks; moving all member related services to retail space; expanded employee parking; provision of adequate office and conference space for growth and refreshing the main building.

“Today, we do not have adequate office space necessary to support future initiatives,” states Wilson. “The benefits of this option will also enable all back office operations to be in one main location assisting us with an increase in communication and decreased travel time between buildings, which will allow us to grow internal staff more efficiently along with membership growth.”

The merging of the call center on Andrews Street and closing of the downtown branch location at 79 Main Street, will take place once construction at the headquarter building has been completed. P.W. Campbell of Pittsburgh, PA, will serve as the credit union’s building design firm.

“This $5.1 million project approved by the Board of Directors is a testament to our commitment to Massena and our membership by ensuring we are providing exceptional state-of-the-art services and financial products for many years to come, states Board Chairman Myron Burns.”

The current ATM access at the downtown location will be available through mid-2015. Discussions continue as to the probability of its relocation to an alternate area.

“It is important to know that SeaComm is still committed to the revitalization of downtown Massena and will continue to support the mission and on-going efforts of the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce and its related activities,” says Wilson.

Continued project updates will also be available regularly on SeaComm’s website, Facebook page and Twitter. Mr. Wilson will also make himself available to the membership September 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. and Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon at the 79 Main St. Branch to discuss any questions.

Property purchase for the Malone branch relocation on Route 11 for a 3,000 sq. ft. building was finalized in May of this year and construction will begin in 2015.