BILOXI, MS (August 7, 2018) — Keesler Federal Credit Union is making history in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi.
The Coast based financial services company has acquired the Hewes Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The five-story structure with Italian Renaissance architectural design was built in 1904 and will anchor Keesler Federal’s operation in Gulfport’s central business district.
The rapidly growing credit union renovated the first floor of the Hewes Building, to serve as a walk-in branch. That branch opened August 7th.
Keesler Federal also plans to move its commercial lending operations from its Seaway Road location and occupy two floors of the Hewes Building.
Keesler Federal recently broke ground on a drive-thru branch located on 28th Street. The drive-thru facility will include four lanes, a drive-up ATM and provide a convenient location next to U.S. 49.
“We are doubling down in Gulfport,” says Keesler Federal CEO Andy Swoger. “These expansion moves were made after much study which determined a need to meet growing demand for our services and products in Gulfport.”
The five-story Hewes Building – just a half block off U.S. 49 – contains 20,000 square feet (4,000 on each floor).
“The Hewes Building represents a commitment to the Gulfport community and especially downtown,” said Swoger. “This new location is much more than a branch, but a message that Keesler Federal is committed to the Coast and Gulfport.”
Keesler Federal is a $2.5 billion cooperative, a not-for-profit owned by its members. The credit union
has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years, including loan demand and branch expansion.
The Hewes location represents Keesler Federal’s 30th branch.
The Hewes Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It has been reported that it housed the first elevator in Mississippi, which still is in the entrance area (although not operational). The first floor/branch location features an exposed brick wall and 14-foot ceilings that include original wood from when the structure first opened.
The credit union will pay tribute to Hewes’ rich history with local historic photographs from horse-drawn carriage and trolley days gone by.
“The Hewes Building is intertwined with Gulfport’s rich past and we didn’t want to lose that history,” said Swoger.
“Most of our branches are new stand-alone structures with modern architecture. But we thought it was imperative that we maintain Hewes’ legacy.”
The Hewes Building tenants include non-Keesler Federal companies which will remain.
The drive-thru location scheduled for third quarter.
Keesler Federal is a $2.5 billion cooperative, a not-for-profit owned by its members. The credit union has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years, including a 40 percent increase in new loan demand. Established in 1947, Keesler Federal Credit Union is the largest Mississippi-based credit union and has more than 600 employees. With 29 branches, Keesler Federal serves over 216,000 members worldwide.
Sharon Keller
Vice President, Marketing
Keesler Federal Credit Union
2602 Pass Road
Biloxi, MS 39531
228-385-5507
sharon.keller@kfcu.org
