Guilford Savings Bank has opened a new branch in downtown Madison, completing a four-year renovation of the historic building.

"We wanted to make sure that we preserved the history of the building while also making the space functional," President and CEO Timothy Geelan said in a statement. "Making it work meant that every detail needed to be carefully planned."

The original house, at 589 Boston Post Road, was built in 1812, 63 years before the bank’s founding in 1875. Guilford Savings partnered with Russell Campaign and Mary Jo Kessner of CK Architects and Tom Tolla of Construction Services Unlimited, both of Guilford, on the project.

"In the past decade, banking has changed significantly," Geelan said in a statement. "Many of our customers perform day-to-day transactions at home on their computer or mobile devices. When they come into a branch, we want to make sure they feel relaxed and comfortable."

The new branch combines classic scrollwork throughout the lobby, white marble style countertops, two original fireplaces and a historic glass window with modern bank branching technology, like iPad and Android tablets in the lobby, guest wi-fi and a revamp of the traditional teller line.

"By bringing our team out into the lobby, we align even more with who we are," Renee Pallenberg, senior vice president of retail banking and marketing, said in the statement. "We are a part of the community, here to be your trusted advisors and give back. By coming out from behind our desks, we’re able to break down the literal barriers between us and our customers."

The bank also includes a "dialog center," which will allow a team member to engage with customers in the lobby. The dialog center is designed to foster conversation, address questions on the spot or easily transition into a private office.

To celebrate the branch opening, the bank created a challenge grant whereby it will match all donations to The Madison Foundation, up to $10,000, through the end of May.