Baybank to Renovate, Opens New Machines

Bay Bank/Harvard Trust customers will have more automatic teller machines (ATMs) to chose from, as the Harvard Square branch opened 10 cash dispensers yesterday.

The opening marked the completion of the first phase of the 1414 Mass. Ave. branch's expansion into the neighboring building that was formerly occupied by Brigham's ice cream store. The bank is also in the process of renovating its entire lower level, said Vice President Marcia Brown.

The renovations are designed to improve customer services and attract more student customers to BayBank, said President Michael Holmes.

The change were motivated by a series of surveys and meetings with customers conducted by a outside marketing research group, bank officials said. Holmes said that the renovations reflect an attempt to cater to a more youthful and affluent community.

Customers' reactions to the opening of the ATMs ranged from enthusiastic to apathetic. Said one customer, Susan Davenport '89, "It is great because I hate standing in line, and this really makes it a lot easier."

However, some bank customers said they disliked the confusion created by construction workers in the lobby.

"It was disturbing walking in and seeing all the chaos," said Pappa Ndiaye '88, "They make it look like something great is ocurring, but there is no significant change for the customer."

There will be a grand opening celebration in the beginning of September when the rest of renovations are complete, Brown said.