I have to admit that I had my doubts about the new Wachovia Bank at Abrams and Lakewood/Belmont, particularly the attempt to integrate the old gas station/furniture store into a new design. But blogger Norm told me to keep my pants on about the issue (my words, not his) and he assured me I would be happy with the final design. Which, to be honest, I am. Wachovia developed a building that still seems modern but somehow manages to fit into the neighborhood, too. Much like Professional Bank did a few years back with its refit of the Lakewood space where it offices, both banks have architecturally contributed to making the Lakewood Village neighborhood a more interesting place. While it still remains to be seen if the area can actually support six banks (Wachovia, Professional, Comerica, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Compass), at least they’re not going to leave us worse off architecturally even if they don’t all make it. Next up: What does Whole Foods have up its sleeve?