Is it possible to display a field value as a link in view mode while allowing it to be edited in edit mode?

Here's my scenario: an application that manages customer complaints. Call center reps create customer complaint records in the app and based on complaint type the issue is routed to the appropriate department for resolution. 

Challenge: our CRM system CustomerID is entered into the app when the initial complaint is logged. During workflow processing, I'd like to display the CustomerID as a link back to our CRM system's Customer Account page.

I have a work around using a Formula-URL field displayed as a button that sits next to the CustomerID field on the form. But it takes up space. 

Perhaps what I'm looking for is two fields: one displays in view mode and the other in edit mode? If anyone has thoughts on how to solve this, I'd love to hear them.