Cornell University – Plant Science Building – Renovation Phase 1

Owner: Beginnings Credit Union
Architect: John Snyder Architects
Location: Ithaca, NY
Completion Date: July 2026

Design-Build

Fahs Construction Group served as General Contractor for a complete interior transformation of an existing branch location in Ithaca, NY, executed in conjunction with the credit union’s system-wide rebrand from CFCU Community Credit Union to Beginnings Credit Union. Delivered in two phases, with Fahs self-performing sitework and concrete ahead of interior construction, the project carried the space from a dated, compartmentalized banking floor plan to an open, member-centric retail banking environment reflecting the credit union’s new brand identity.

Mid-course, the project transitioned to a design-build delivery model, with Fahs partnering directly with John Snyder Architects to finalize design, value-engineer systems and finishes, and keep the work moving through preconstruction, permitting, and build-out on a compressed schedule.

Self-Performed Site Work: Ahead of interior construction, Fahs self-performed parking and drive-lane paving along with ITM lane concrete, setting up the exterior infrastructure needed to support the branch’s new equipment and traffic flow before the interior buildout began.

Demo and Structural: The renovation started with a full interior demo back to shell/structure, including selective structural modifications to accommodate the new floor plan. Life-safety systems remained in service throughout, allowing the existing branch to stay operational during construction.

Interior Buildout: Scope included framing, drywall, and custom millwork at the teller line and community area, storefront and glazing work, a specialty ceiling assembly, doors and hardware including secure vault access, a new flooring package, and an ADA restroom renovation — carrying the space to the open, retail-style layout central to the rebrand.

MEP Coordination: Fahs led full trade coordination across an electrical service upgrade to support teller and ITM loads, structured cabling for data, security, and ITM connectivity, HVAC rebalancing, and fire alarm/sprinkler modifications, along with security and card-access rough-in.

Equipment and Rebrand Coordination: GC-furnished infrastructure — power, data, and casework — was sequenced to match owner-furnished vendor installs, including the cash recycler, ITM, and vault equipment, with signage and graphics coordinated to support the rebrand rollout.

The result is a branch that reflects Beginnings Credit Union’s new identity in both look and function — delivered on a compressed schedule through close collaboration between Fahs and John Snyder Architects across a mid-project shift to design-build delivery.