By LAURIE JOHNSON NBC begins branch bank renovations NBCs plan calls for the renovation of all six freestanding branches By LAURIE JOHNSON The Daily News In most cases, 33 is considered a bit young for a face lift. But for a local branch bank, a head-to-toe overhaul is something that bank officials say is long overdue. Construction began Monday on renovations to National Bank of Commerces 1895 Union Ave. branch, the freestanding locations first upgrade since opening in 1964. "Its going to be a major renovation," said NBC first vice president Talmadge Lynn. "Weve been there 33 years, and we really havent updated it since then. Its time to give it a new look inside and out." A building permit for $373,000 was filed by Traditional Construction Co., the projects general contractor, according to Shelby County code enforcement records. Lynn said the Union Avenue branch is the first to be renovated as part of NBCs plan to upgrade all six of its traditional, or freestanding, bank branches. Giving the branches a uniform appearance also is the plans goal. "We are trying to give them a uniform look so that people driving anywhere in Memphis will be able to recognize them as NBC locations without having to actually see the words." Interior renovations to the Union Avenue branch will include new teller counters, reconfigured administrative offices, lowered ceilings, and new carpeting, wall coverings and upholstery. "This is one of our largest and busiest branches, so its time to add some new features to serve our customers better," Lynn said. Lynn said the exterior of the Union Avenue branch will be reconstructed to look like the exterior of NBCs Laurelwood branch at 164 Perkins Extended, with brown brick, earth tone exterior colors and entrance columns. NBCs five other traditional branch banks Poplar/Highland, Raleigh, Parkway Village, Cloverleaf and Brookhaven will get similar upgrades. NBCs new look was designed by local architecture firm Scott Fleming & Associates. Lynn said the Union Avenue branchs walk-up automatic teller machine will be converted to a drive-up ATM for convenience and safety reasons. Renovations to the Union Avenue branch should be completed in February, Lynn said. Renovation work to the banks five traditional branches, as well as 10 to 15 "money market" branches those located in grocery stores is expected to continue throughout 1998. NBC has a total of 31 branches, including traditional and money market locations, in the Memphis area. Lynn declined to reveal how much NBC is investing in branch bank renovations. Renovation plans for NBCs money market locations will include new teller counters, carpeting and wallpaper. "We havent updated any of these in about 10 years, so its time to give them a fresh new look," Lynn said. "I think our customers will see quite a bit of improvement."