First Bank & Trust’s 57th and Western branch has a new look – one which management hopes fosters a more collaborative and personal environment for customers and employees.

The branch’s lobby recently underwent a thorough remodel, opening up the space and adding casual seating areas, television screens and a coffee and snack bar to transform it into a “co-working space.”

Unlike other co-working models, there’s no fee to use the space. The coffee is free and you don’t have to be a customer of the bank.

The layout of the teller desk has also been changed to allow for more efficiency and conversational interactions, according to vice president and director of retail banking and product services Sadie Bell.

“Had you previously walked in, the teller line we had was very traditional,” she said. “It was a long walk back from the front doors and tellers couldn’t immediately greet customers and ask them for assistance. Now, it’s a much more personal and mobile space.”

Similar to First Bank & Trust’s joint location with Coffea Roasterie at Dawley Farms, Bell said the company wanted to form a space that doesn’t resemble a traditional banking office.

“We’ve started recognizing we could use space for other things,” she said. “We’re hoping it’s a place where people can chill and work quietly. And you don’t have to be a customer to be in here and enjoy the space.”

Another new addition is a community conference room that is free for any group to reserve. The room will not be available until July 15, but groups can already start booking reservations online.

The location stayed fully functional while renovations took place, starting in mid-February and ending in mid-June. While Bell said a few tweaks will still yet be made to the space, it is now open and available for customers and the general public to enjoy.

“It might take people a while to get used to the new vibe, but the industry is changing,” she said. “As a community bank, giving access to our space to the community is important to us.”