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L'ANSE - The Baraga County Federal Credit Union in downtown L'Anse may look different, but it is still the same hometown financial institution.

"Even though the outside looks different, we're the same friendly staff inside," said Member Service Representative Dawn Jahfetson.

The building's "complete makeover" was finished in March and nearly doubled its size to 4,000 square feet, said Manager Marilyn Harden. The institution added two teller stations, a second drive through, a drive-up ATM, approximately 15 parking spaces, a board room and two offices. They also chose to go with a blue- and sand-colored nautical theme that represents Baraga County's history and relationship with Lake Superior. Historic pictures of ships line the wall, while a cupola lets in natural light and is reminiscent of a lighthouse. A fireplace also adds to the atmosphere.

"We were looking to be inviting," Harden said. "We have coffee, we have a seating area for our members."

The addition also allows the institution to offer new services.

"By adding on here we're going to be able to get started with mortgages," Harden said. "Right now we have home equities. We have a lot of money to lend."

Helping the local community is part of what makes their credit union successful, employees said.

"We're the only locally-based financial institution in Baraga County," Harden said. "Here at the credit union we don't have any stockholders, we're member-owned and operated."

The credit union has also offered favorable loan rates on GM and Chrysler vehicles through the Invest in America program started by the Michigan Credit Union League.

"We've had quite a few members take advantage of this," Harden said.

Harden said BCFCU membership is open to people who live, work or have relatives in Baraga County.

"So pretty much anyone," she said.

BCFCU will hold an open house in May on a yet-to-be determined date.

Layla Aslani can be reached at laslani@mininggazette.com.