Community First Credit Union to Replace Mandarin Branch with a New Location at Mandarin Station

Credit union to renovate, occupy new space in early 2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 27, 2022 – Community First Credit Union, one of Florida’s largest credit unions serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast, announces it will soon start transforming a new, retail location in Mandarin which will replace its current branch this year. Community First has leased the location at 11200 San Jose Blvd., Suite 105 which was formerly a Pei Wei.

Community First Credit Union has more than 7,000 members in the Mandarin area, and it has served members with a branch in the neighborhood since 1996. The current location is at 11701 San Jose Blvd. which will close when the new branch opens.

The new branch will offer Mandarin members an upgraded banking experience including traditional drive-thru service along with a walk-up ATM, both of which were not available at the current location. Additional features include a signature historic mural depicting the community, something Community First customizes for all its new branches. Renovations include interior and exterior improvements and reconfigurations.

Renovations of the new 3,122-square-foot location are scheduled to begin in June with a projected opening in early 2023. TTV Architects is designing the new location to the credit union’s new design, layout and branding.

“We are excited to have found a space that allows us to better serve our Mandarin members,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “This is a convenient and more accessible location that will improve service and our Mandarin banking experience.”

The new branch location is part of the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, the credit union’s comprehensive branch upgrade which seeks to improve member service by configuring the offices to create a more modern retail experience. The new branch interiors feature several upgrades including an open floor plan, a warm, welcoming environment and advanced digital technologies.

NAI Hallmark manages property leasing at the Mandarin Station center and brokered the 10-year lease deal with Community First.

Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $2.5 billion in assets and serving 160,000 members. Community First has 19 locations and 355 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast.