The Collage Companies is proud to celebrate the completion of Climate First Bank’s St. Petersburg headquarters — a project that stands as a model for sustainable design and climate-conscious construction.
This week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at 182 37th Avenue North was a celebration of innovation and impact, drawing a crowd of community leaders, partners, and sustainability advocates. The event featured remarks from Climate First Bank Founder and CEO Ken LaRoe, who shared his vision for a financial institution built around environmental responsibility and social good. The program also included a special proclamation from St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, officially declaring People, Planet, Purpose Week — recognizing the city’s leadership in advancing sustainability, climate action, and community collaboration.
“Much appreciation to Climate First Bank for entrusting Collage to be its design-builder, enabling us to reimagine and transform this existing space,” said Rob Maphis, President of The Collage Companies. “Our partnership is forging innovative environments that inspire change by harmoniously integrating sustainability, creativity, and community engagement.”
The 5,781-square-foot headquarters reflects Climate First Bank’s deep commitment to environmentally responsible design. The remodeled building integrates forward-thinking features, including solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and an energy-efficient infrastructure designed to support the bank’s mission of combating the climate crisis. The project is pursuing LEED Platinum certification for Commercial Interiors and was designed to achieve net-zero energy performance through the optimization of building systems and on-site renewable power generation.
Rather than constructing a new building, Climate First Bank chose to retrofit an existing structure — a strategic decision that significantly reduces the carbon footprint of its real estate portfolio. This decision underscores the organization’s belief that sustainability begins with stewardship, demonstrating that meaningful impact can be achieved through conscious design and collaboration.
This project marks another chapter in the long-standing partnership between The Collage Companies and Climate First Bank, following the successful completion of the bank’s Winter Park branch in 2023. Together with valued design partners KMF Architects and Tri3 Studios, the team brought to life a project that exemplifies how purpose-driven design and construction can build a cleaner, greener future for Florida communities.
Shown Here: From Left to Right – Lex Ford, President Climate First Bank, Rob Maphis, President The Collage Companies, Ken LaRoe CEO Climate First Bancorp and Executive Chairman of Climate First Bank.
At Collage, we are honored to stand alongside visionary partners like Climate First Bank — helping to create buildings that serve not only their occupants but also the planet and the people who call it home.
About Climate First Bank
Climate First Bank is the world’s first FDIC-insured community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. Built on the mission of putting people and the planet before profit, Climate First Bank integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every aspect of its operations. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, the bank offers a full suite of personal and commercial banking services while funding projects that advance renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable communities.
About The Collage Companies
Founded in 1982, The Collage Companies is a Florida-based general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with a mission to build projects that strengthen communities. Collage partners with clients across sectors — including commercial, transportation, religious, and nonprofit — to deliver high-quality projects that stand as a testament to integrity, collaboration, and impact. With offices in Lake Mary and a portfolio that spans the state, Collage continues to build beyond the blueprint®, creating spaces that inspire purpose and progress.