Community First Credit Union to Renovate Retail Location in Murray Hill

Former Edgewood Bakery building to be transformed into the credit union’s
most unique community branch

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 30, 2025 - Community First Credit Union, celebrating 90 years of service to North Florida, announces it will renovate and reconfigure the former Edgewood Bakery into its new branch in Murray Hill. Community First will repurpose the existing building into the new branch, which will be designed like no other branch in its network.

Architecture and construction teams are in the early stages of renovation of the interiors, which includes some reconstruction. Renovations can take longer than new construction, but Community First anticipates the branch to be complete in late 2026.

“True to our name and purpose of strengthening communities, one member at a time, Community First intends to create a Murray Hill branch to fit in with the unique character of the Murray Hill retail corridor and serve members where they are,” said President and CEO Sam Inman. “We believe this key retail site in the corridor will enhance consumer traffic to the area, revitalizing this strategic corner which has been vacant and deteriorating for nine years.”

Current plans include a front lawn/social area that will include a food feature, a community room and unique architecture features not normally seen at other Community First branches. Community First is considering additional upgrades to technology to pilot at the branch.

“Murray Hill Preservation Association (MHPA) is enthusiastic about the incorporation of the historic Edgewood Bakery building and look forward to the innovative designs for the new meeting space, food feature, and outdoor community areas,” said Greg Beere, president of MHPA. “MHPA believes this custom-tailored branch will serve as a vital anchor for the Edgewood Avenue commercial corridor.”

The floorplan will be configured inside the existing building structure on one floor and will include a refreshed and redesigned parking lot, in addition to a drive-thru and full exterior updates. As in all its branches, its interior will feature a mural depicting historical photos of the neighborhood.

“Our executive team, board and I are committed to preserving some of the local flavor of the Edgewood Bakery,” said Melissa Thomas, COO of Community First. “I’m personally passionate about preservation as a native with treasured family memories of the role of the bakery in my own life, including birthday cakes and my own wedding cake.”

Community First, founded and based in Jacksonville, intends to honor the legacy of the Edgewood Bakery in several ways, while providing a modern and community-centered credit union experience. Community First purchased the Murray Hill location at Edgewood Avenue and Post Street in 2024. The bakery closed in 2016, and the building has been vacant since.

Celebrating 90 years of service in 2025, 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 $2.8 billion in assets and serving 180,000 members. Community First has 23 locations and more than 450 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. For more, visit www.communityfirstfl.org.