Community First Credit Union Buys Site at Southside Quarter

Credit union to relocate Baymeadows Branch to new Gate Parkway Development 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., October 26, 2023 – Community First Credit Union has purchased a 1.1- acre site at the new Southside Quarter development which is slated to become the credit union’s Gate Parkway Branch. The current Baymeadows location will be relocated to the new branch once construction is complete. Construction on the branch is expected to start in spring 2024 with an opening by the end of 2024.  

Southside Quarter is a new master development at Gate Parkway between Burnt Mill Road and Village Crossing Road. It is west of I-295 and south of J. Turner Butler Blvd. Upon completion, the 3,600-square-foot Gate Parkway Branch will feature a full-service lobby and drive-thru, two ATMs (drive-up and walk-up), and Community First’s signature tower feature. 

Designed with Community First's modern branch concept, the Gate Parkway Branch will have an open floor plan, upgraded digital technologies, and a historical mural depicting the history of the Southside. The branch will serve the nearly 7,000 Community First members living within five miles of the retail center. 

“This new branch is part of our Branch Transformation Project,” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “Our branch network expansion and improvement project will improve and expand our branch and ATM network to meet the evolving needs of our region and serve members where they are.” 

Community First is undertaking its largest one-time investment in its branch network with three expansion branches in the works or newly opened in 2023. The credit union recently opened its 20th branch at Northpoint Village in North Jacksonville, has nearly completed its 21st branch at Boulevard Crossing (Beach and University Boulevards) and relocated its Mandarin Branch to Mandarin Station. It recently started construction on Branch 22 located in Murabella, St. Johns. 

The new Gate Parkway Branch is part of the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, which aims to enhance member service by configuring spaces to create a modern retail experience. Community First has served the Baymeadows and Southside areas with a branch for 23 years and has been in the current location since 2006. 

Community First Credit Union of Florida, named Florida’s 2022 Credit Union of the Year by the LSCU, 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 $2.7 billion in assets and serving 171,000 members. Community First has 20 locations and more than 400 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. 

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