NorCrown Bank honored by Caldwell officials for renovation program

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 30, 2002

Mayor Paul Jemas and the Council of Caldwell, New Jersey, honored NorCrown Bank at the town's annual organization meeting on Jan. 2, with a special proclamation in recognition of the bank's efforts in restoring its historic branch building. One of New Jersey's fastest-growing banking organizations, NorCrown Bank helped revitalize Caldwell's business district through the occupancy of the building located at 307 Bloomfield Ave.

For the first time, Caldwell town officials recognized four local businesses with proclamations - usually given to residents for outstanding work on various boards - for renovating older buildings in the town center. During the presentation to NorCrown, Mayor Jemas urged all residents to view the restoration work at the bank's Bloomfield Avenue branch, which opened for business in the fall of 2001. "We are very thankful and appreciative of NorCrown's commitment to our town," commented Jemas.

"NorCrown Bank is honored to receive this distinction from Mayor Jemas and the Council," stated Monte Ehrenkranz, the bank's vice president and branch coordinator, who accepted the proclamation on NorCrown's behalf along with branch manager Marcella Gencarelli. "The bank's efforts in Caldwell represent our community dedication and our focus on providing personalized service to all of our-individual and business customers."

Built in 1924 as the original home of Caldwell. National Bank, the Bloomfield Avenue building had been vacant for nearly two years before NorCrown's occupancy. Renovations, which preserved historic features, included painting the interior and exterior, restoring the old checkwriter's desks and safe deposit boxes to their original condition, and paving and landscaping the rear parking lot.

NorCrown added the convenience of an ATM machine and a two-lane drive-through window, as well as upgraded bathroom facilities to accommodate the handicapped.