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2939 S. Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin

This project stands among the finest works that we have created as Architects. We consider a project to be successful, as this one certainly is, if we have project delivery on time, on budget, with a happy client in beautiful surroundings.

The location our client chose for their Credit Union presented unique site layout challenges due to the steep grade conditions, public visibility from all four elevations, and water drainage requirements.

Along the diagonal alignment with the slope, the building was composed from two strong geometric shapes: square and circle. From the exterior these appear to be organized linearly. In fact, the building's interior organization is highly centralized. The formal collision of two squares joined at one corner creates a centralized interior open space. On the main (upper) level, an offset grid derived from the dominant squares is composed of parallel columns uplifting the sloped ceiling towards a large skylight atrium following the roof form.

Entrance to the main level is through an ellipse of overlapping circles. Unlike many financial institution entrances, which display an imposing gateway, this is one of human scale, reaching forward to greet the customer. The structure incorporates the classical materials of masonry (stone), standing seam roofing, E.I.F.S., copper, and green 10% tinted glass to create a building based on the principal of organic integrity from the "Natural Prairie Style."

On the lower level, the circle dominates as the curving corridor, designed as a gallery space for art display, unfolds as one travels through the passage. Interior layout on both levels reflect the building's form, allowing a sense of one's position within the building, rather than presenting a maze of confusing corners to navigate.

The triangulated layered roof was designed to be distinctive from several vantage points in the neighborhood. This was especially important due to the fact that the road elevation was actually higher than the site.


Square Footage: 15,000
Architect: Linville Architects, LLC
Contractor: Krup Construction
Photographer: Joe DeMaio