PSECU is seeking permission to relocate its branch in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg to a former FNB branch at 1249 Market St. in Lemoyne, according to a filing by the Department of Banking and Securities.
The Harrisburg-based credit union picked the West Shore location, in part, because it is more accessible and convenient, said Adam Stewart, the credit union’s vice president of strategic growth, marketing and relationship management.
“This opportunity to enhance our digital-first model and deliver a strong in-person experience by offering greater convenience and more services, including drive-thru, were driving factors in selecting the location,” said Stewart.
Pending regulatory approval, the relocation is slated to occur in 2025, with a date still to be determined, he added.
The members: State workers are among those eligible for PSECU membership, and thousands have worked in Strawberry Square over the years.
But ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many employees work from home at least a couple days per week, reducing foot traffic in the downtown complex.
Brad Jones, president and CEO of Strawberry Square landlord Harristown Enterprises, described PSECU’s pending move as a disappointment but attributed it to the state’s work-from-home policies.
“We’re just trying to adapt to that,” said Jones.
His organization, for example, has been converting vacant Harrisburg offices to apartments over the last several years in order to boost the downtown population.
The background: PSECU is one of Pennsylvania’s largest credit unions, with assets of more than $8.5 billion and about 591,000 members, according to the National Credit Union Administration.
However, the credit union relies primarily on delivering services remotely and has relatively few physical branches. The Strawberry Square branch is one of six statewide, according to federal regulators.
Pittsburgh-based FNB closed the Lemoyne branch in 2021 as part of a broader cost-cutting move.
PSECU is leasing the building from owner Michael Serluco, according to Jimmy Koury of Lemoyne-based RSR Realtors, who, along with Jim and Jeff Koury, represented Serluco.
Yesterday, meanwhile, Harristown announced a new tenant for another space in Strawberry Square.
Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Cuisine plans to open later this year at 19 N. 3rd St., formerly occupied by Fresa Bistro. Mount Everest is the second restaurant for owners Shree Paija and Sarita Lama, who own Khana in Hershey.
