Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Windsor Windows & Doors renovated its third employee home through the organization's Employee Home Makeover program early this month. Daniel Marquez-Ramirez, group lead for insulated glass production and 11-year Windsor veteran, was the most recent recipient of the home makeover.

The Marquez-Ramirez home in the Capitol Park neighborhood in Des Moines received roofing and siding repair, window and door replacement, exterior paint and landscaping updates with the help of more than 25 Windsor employee volunteers. Through the planning process and over the course of six days, 25 volunteers donated approximately 675 hours to the project. All expenses were covered by Windsor Windows & Doors.

To date, Windsor volunteers have donated an estimated 768 hours on two previous home makeover projects. The program launched in August 2016 and recipients are selected by a company selection committee. Employees are encouraged to submit individual applications for home improvements they would like assistance with, but may not be able to make on their own due to financial reasons or labor requirements.

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Windsor Windows & Doors Gives Employee Home Makeover - Window and Door

HOT SPRINGS - The Harlou Building, located at 407 N. River Street, in Hot Springs, was recently awarded an historic preservation grant from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

The Deadwood Fund Grant, totaling $16,329 a local match will join this will assist with the repair of windows, the installation of storm windows on the second floor, and the replacement of a non-historic storefront window.

The Harlou Building was constructed in 1893 with Hot Springs iconic building material, local sandstone.

There are four large arched windows with prominent keystones across the second-story faade of the building.

It is called the Harlou Building because HARLOU is carved into a central plaque at the top of the building. The name is a union of the names of the two men who had it built, Dr. Hargens and S. Loudenback.

The second story is from the Victorian era and architecturally, it borrows from Romanesque design, with extremely tall, found, arched windows with large keystones and triangular cornice decorations.

The Harlou Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 as contributing to the Hot Springs Historic District.

It previously housed both grocery and furniture stores, the public library, a bakery, Masonic rooms and professional offices.

The Harlou Building joins four other properties that received Deadwood Grants this year. These include:

Wylie Park Pavilion, Aberdeen -- Built about 1912, this pavilion received a $10,000 grant to assist with repair and replacement of wood siding and for painting.

Mortimer Cabin, Oakwood Lakes State Park. This 1869 structure received $13,000 grant award to assist with the replacement of chinking and to repair logs, the stone foundation, and the gable roof ends.

Gale & Ward Bank Building, in Canton was built in 1880. It will receive $12,000 to aid with the re-pointing of the brick masonry as part of a larger rehabilitation project

Ipswichs First Baptist Church, built in 1926, will receive $12,000 to help with replace the roof.

These new recipients represent a total award amount of more than $63,000 with planned matching funds topping $157,000.

The grants are awarded through the State Historical Societys Deadwood Fund grant program. Funding for the program is from Deadwood gaming revenue earmarked by state law for historic preservation projects throughout the state. The program is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

This is the 20th year for this historic preservation grants program, said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. In 2016 we awarded $108,204 between 11 projects which had matching funds of $291,301. The resulting total public-private investment is $399,505. This program is designed to encourage restoration or rehabilitation of historic properties and is one more way we can promote and protect our history and culture.

Deadwood Fund grants are awarded twice annually. Grant application deadlines are Feb. 1 and Oct. 1, with applications reviewed at the spring and winter meetings of the State Historical Societys board of trustees.

The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education, and is headquartered at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the societys world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit http://www.history.sd.gov for more information.

For more information on the Deadwood Fund grant program, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; tel. (605) 773-3458; or website history.sd.gov/Preservation.

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Harlou Bldg. receives preservation grant - Rapid City Journal

Summer renovation and maintenance work is set to begin on the Bement school campus as part of $2.8 million of building upgrades.

Due to a late start because of a delay in state approval, construction of two secure entryways will take place next summer. Window replacement is expected in September.

But there is still plenty to be done before students return this August, according to Bement Superintendent Sheila Greenwood.

Well be remodeling bathrooms, the ceilings, the roof, fire alarm system. All of those things well get done this summer, she told the school board at its June 14 meeting.

She said window work will require the relocation of some classrooms for short periods of time while the more energy-efficient windows are installed this fall.

To fund the work, the district intends to levy $2.4 million in funding bonds and $425,000 in fire prevention and safety bonds. Greenwood said it should not result in a tax increase since some borrowing went off the books in 2016-17.

No one testified during a mandated public hearing held during the June 14 meeting in regards to the bond issue, which will be considered for final approval at a special school board meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 21.

Although not part of the $2.8 million project, Greenwood said some athletic field work is also planned. That will include repainting of the football field and possibly hiring a contractor to help finish work at the

Bement Foundations baseball field. The ball field work is currently being done by volunteers, but is in its fifth year of renovations and the high school team has not played there in several years.

CEO program High School Principal Doug Kepley gave a report on a possible CEO program that could be available to high school students in DeWitt, Piatt and Macon Counties in the fall of 2019. The community-based program has no cost for participating schools, and would see students report to off-campus businesses the first 90 minutes of their school day.

Students basically work through how to set up a personal business, work with businesses within the community to job shadow, to work with them to see how those organizations work, said Kepley. But it also has them to where they have to start up their own business.

Helping coordinate the effort would be the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, which has programs in operation in 39 communities involving 160 schools.

Although there is no cost to schools, the program would need to raise about $35,000 to $50,000 per year to fund it, mostly to pay a local facilitator.

New teachers Two new teachers were introduced, including a retired Spanish instructor who will be able to provide guidance for the Bement Spanish program for up to 100 days during the school year. A long-term substitute filled the position in 2016-17.

Rachel Halliday has been a substitute teacher in Bement since retiring from Georgetown Ridge Farm, and jumped at the chance to teach Spanish.

Its a perfect fit, as far as Im concerned, said Halliday, who now lives in Monticello. I just like to teach.

Other staff and substitutes will fill the remainder of the school days for Spanish.

Also introduced was recent Eastern Illinois University graduate Marika Rosenberger, who will be a full-time high school math instructor in Bement this fall. Her plans include working with the science department to learn and observe the rare total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, just five days after school begins.

In other business,the board: heard from Kepley that the every other year trip to Washington D.C. went well. A total of 15 students teamed with students from Freeburg, Illinois and Anna, Texas to tour the sites during their four days in the nations capital;

was told enrollment projections for 2017-18 are close to the year before. High school enrollment is expected to be about 100 students, just under the 104 of this year, while 70 middle schoolers should start the school year, up slightly from 68 in 2016-17;

Heard from Kepley that BHS SAT scores averaged 1,005 in the first year of taking the exam for state purposes, compared to the state average of 1,022. He said sophomores will now be required to take the PSAT to prepare them for the SAT exam;

accepted the resignation of kindergarten teacher Sarah Snyder and high school secretary Linda Craney, the latter on Sept. 29;

approved extra-curricular assignments for 2017-18;

approved intergovernmental agreements with: The Cerro Gordo school district for the employment of Jennifer Thomas as part-time art teacher; with the Monticello school district for the shared services of social worker Jill Clodfelter; and with DeLand-Weldon for the shared services of speech language pathologist Erin Anderson;

approved a renewal of the district food services contract with Aramark;

voted to employ Shannon Connelley as district paraprofessional; and

approved the mandated prevailing wage resolution.

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Summer work scheduled at Bement schools - Piatt County Journal-Republican

Randy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches - and even fires - for years.

David Wright | The Times-Gazette

In the oldest continuously used courthouse in the state of Ohio, battling the elements seems to be a part of everyday life and, while temperatures rise, work continues on climate control solutions at the adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office.

Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins told The Times-Gazette Tuesday afternoon that her offices HVAC system has been faulty for some time, and her staff has reached a consensus on the matter.

Its hot, the prosecutor said over the hum of fans set up throughout the office.

Assistant prosecutor Molly Bolek said the best way to combat the heat is with a cold treat.

Its a good excuse to eat ice cream at 10:30 in the morning, Bolek said, to which Collins added, She had to eat it fast because it would have melted.

Bolek insisted that the morning ice cream fix was important for her pregnancy.

According to Bolek, the extreme temperatures in the past have come with a cost she nearly lost a pet fish to a wintry blast before former Highland County Sheriff Richard Warner revived the aquatic pet.

He saw its mouth move, and he put it in warm water and saved it, Bolek said.

A fish in Collins office, however, was not so lucky the creature froze to death during a cold snap, according to the prosecutor.

Collins said the climate control issue has plagued the courthouse for years due to the buildings outdated HVAC system. According to Collins, bad wiring in the walls caught fire twice last year, and that wasnt the first time it had happened.

Were used to it at this point, she said.

Collins, whose office is located on the second floor of the old stone county jail building adjacent to the courthouse, said she appreciated the Highland County Board of Commissioners for their efforts to address the problem. But she said she hopes its fixed sooner rather than later preferably in time for upcoming grand jury deliberations.

We mean this all in good fun, Collins said. They have been actively trying to fix this although I would like for the grand jury to not have to step over fans.

Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin said the commissioners are working with Plug Smart, a Columbus-based energy efficiency company, and Greenfield-based Wellers Plumbing and Heating to find a fix.

We are working with Plug Smart and Wellers to find a solution as quickly as we can regarding the HVAC issues they have been experiencing in the courthouse, Wilkin said.

In the meantime, work continues on restoring the courthouses exterior. A two-man crew was out Tuesday afternoon installing new front doors in the buildings main entryway.

Brad Tira, owner of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, told The Times-Gazette that the project was a little more complicated than he had anticipated, but that they would have a set of new, custom-made mahogany doors installed by Wednesday.

Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.

Randy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches and even fires for years.

http://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_courthousedoors.jpgRandy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches and even fires for years. David Wright | The Times-Gazette

HVAC issues plague prosecutors office

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Heating, cooling headaches at Highland County Prosecutor's Office - Hillsboro Times Gazette

Fix-It Chick: Some tips on choosing and installing a new thermostat Lawrence Journal World Instead they set average heating and cooling schedules based on the manual adjustments occupants make to the thermostat throughout the week. Step 2: To replace a thermostat, use the breaker or fuse in the service entrance panel to turn off the power to ...

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Fix-It Chick: Some tips on choosing and installing a new thermostat - Lawrence Journal World

For years, building spec homes with only the most basic appliances seemed the norm. The idea was to put in good, reliable products, but keep the process simple. Upgrades were possible but didnt generally aid profits, so they werefor most buildersmore of a hassle than anything else. Oddly enough,builders seemed more likely to upgrade faucets than appliances. Then the housing bubble burst, and things changed considerably. With the resurgence of homebuilding bringing back stiff competition, what part does building with premium appliances play in making a sale?

Id say quite a bit. In fact, building with premium appliances can really set you apart from the competition and win over clients who truly value the most important room in the house.

This article is geared towards the builder, decorator, or even the remodeling Pro who either specs kitchens, or remodels them. Still, the serious DIYer may also take away some valuable information, so keep reading. Over the years, weve noticed many kitchen trends and pitfalls. One trend seems to stand above all others: remodeling using premium appliances. Whether its a voluntary redesign, or an insurance claim remodel, premium appliances are flying into kitchens faster than ever before.

One sure way to increase customer satisfaction and raise the level of your work is to carefully consider the appliances you install. After all, this is where the homeowner is destined to spend a considerable amount of time both cooking and entertaining. Kitchens matter, and choosing appliances that enhance the home ranks highest on our recommendation list.

What were getting at is very simple: you have competition. If youre a remodeler, you constantly bid against other remodelers. Whats going to set you apart? While you may not need every job, if you go through a bid process you want to win the project. What sets you apart? There are times when the lowest bidder wins, but thats almost never the case when talking about kitchens. Kitchensparticularly when the owners have already been through the starter phaseare ripe for upgrades. If you spec a home or remodel with only the most rudimentary appliances, youre going to come across as bland and unimpressive.

That could be costing you a lot of business!

Contrast that with a contractor or remodeler who specs premium appliances. Those impress. They make the work of a kitchen easier. They will update and upgrade the overall home value. According to a 2014 study by Remodeler Magazine, a kitchen remodel can recoup as much as 80% or more of its value upon sale of the home. Thats to say nothing of the appeal to the homeowner who gets to use and enjoy that kitchen during their time owning the home.

We have used Bosch appliances for years. My first Bosch was a dishwasher that defied trends with its incredibly quiet operation and triple racks. But Bosch makes more than just great dishwashers, so well use them to illustrate some of the things that can really win over consumers and increase your appeal as a contractor or remodeler. Overall, Ive found them to match the three criteria most important to increasing appeal and profitability: Sleek design, energy efficiency, and advanced features & functionality. Lets go through all three to explain why each of these can justify building with premium appliances or specing them in a remodeling project.

New appliances are wonderful, but premium consumer-level appliances have a look that typically surpasses what you find in builder-grade models. For Bosch, that includes things like hidden control panels and surfaces (dishwashers and refrigerators) as well as quiet operation. While their dishwashers are the quietest in the industry, even their refrigerators and ovens do well at eliminating noise pollution in the kitchen.

We love the look of stainless steel, but its not all the same. On their dishwashers, Bosch uses models with stainless steel both inside and out. Even their less expensive Ascenta seriesmade in North Carolinahas stainless steel tub walls set down into a plastic base. When the door is inevitably opened on that appliance, the internals will look as good as the outside finish.

On refrigerators, French door designs are all the rage. Models with a single lower drawer, however, are getting a bad rap as being difficult to organize. The Bosch B21CL81SNS 36 inch Counter Depth French Door Bottom Freezer 800 Series offers that beautiful stainless steel look and French door functionality. It just does it with dual bottom freezer doors.

The inside is just as impressive. Open it, and youre greeted with a full-width chiller drawer with an adjustable divider. A retractable shelf also lets you fit taller 2-liter bottles and other large items.

This Bosch refrigerator offers a super-clean look on account of it hiding the ice dispenser within the top freezer drawer. With an appliance like this, the idea would be that youd install a water filter and dispenser at the sink. We did something similar in our home with a Franke DW12080 cold water dispenser and filtration system.

When it comes to ovens, solid surface is the way to go for that clean look. For an even bigger step into the future, however, induction rules the day. An appliance like the Bosch HIIP055U 30 induction range features a smooth black glass top that really steps up the look of any kitchen. Induction ovens are also a conversation piecemaking this oven one of the few appliances that can impress with its futuristic (but practical) cooking technology. Any foodie (or hobbyist chef) will appreciate just how quickly it heats and cooks. Actually, anyone who has watched a few minutes of the food network channel has been exposed to the advanced technology of induction cooking. This is one upgrade that is super-attractive in any modern kitchen upgrade or remodel.

Microwaves may seem run-of-the-mill, but Ive seen these botched more often than not. Designs falter with too much emphasis placed on features and not aesthetics. Bosch does a nice job of pairing both with its OTR (over-the-range) models. Of course, the latest trend includes push-button drawer microwaves which eliminate reaching up to insert and remove food. Still, a good over-the-range model can strike a mix of practical and upscale when done correctly. Bosch doesnt clutter the front of their microwaves. Theyre sleek, easy-to-use, and lack offensive front-facing grills or vents like some other brandsweve seen and used.

As more and more consumers consider the environment, being able to tout energy efficiency can give you a real leg up. EnergyStar rated appliances are almost a must, but not all energy efficient appliances are the same. Some models go too far,sacrificing quality and productivity for energy efficiencyyou know who you are! Bosch, in particular, seems to strike a nice balance. I like, for example, the efficiency of their Ascenta dishwashers. In a typical year, Bosch estimates their EnergyStar-certified dishwashers (any of them, in fact) will use just 624 gallons of water and consume just 269 kWh of power. Thats less than $32/year operating cost for electric!

As you consider energy efficiency, its hard to ignore washers and dryers. For this, Bosch doesnt have a ton of options for the single family homeowner. If, however, youre remodeling a condo, small apartment, or anything that requires space-savings,Bosch has you covered. Their 24 Compact Washer 800 Series washer and condensation dryer (WAT28402UC and WTG86402UC) are one of few compact EnergyStar rated systems on the market. These 24-inch washers and dryers can be stacked or mounted side by side with optional pedestal drawers.

The condensating dryer is also a thing to behold. It dries clothes without the need for exterior or interior venting. The washer even plugs into the dryer so that you can run everything off a single 240V circuit. Again, this will mostly appeal to those applications where a pair of 24-inch compact laundry products is desired, but the advanced features and ultra-quiet 63 dBA SPL running are hard to ignore.

If youre considering how to differentiate yourself by building with premium appliances, advanced features may do the most to win over your clients. While lots of appliances look good, features and performance matter. These real-world advancements in technology take your kitchen appliances and truly give consumers something to talk about and look forward to using. Want to sell a kitchen? Show off appliances with advanced technology that will impress whoever is going to find themselves in there the most. We already discussed induction ranges. Thats one of the most impressive pieces of technology to hit the kitchen in quite some time. While still priced at a premium, induction cooking is so far ahead in convenience and functionality, those who try it almost never go back. Quick heating, flexible timers, multiple and instant levels of heatinginduction has it all.

When it comes to ovens, however, Bosch also includes features like a telescoping top shelf for easy access to your primary dishes. You can get convection cooking for a nice, even heating of your food. Temperature probes are available, and even the lighting and door windows in Boschs premium appliances have received welcome upgrades.

When it comes to Dishwashers, Bosch blows away most of the competition with its InfoLight system that literally shines a red dot on the floor to let you know when the dishwasher is running. Their 500-series and up feature a third rack for utensils and other items, maximizing space and helping you get more dishes clean in less time. Finally, interior lighting in their Benchmark dishwashers sets a new bar for what a premium dishwasher should provide.

On refrigerators, some of the shelving options have already been discussed, but Bosch uses a Dual AirCool system to deliver even temperatures. It also reduces the transfer of odors between the refrigerator and freezer. Their B21 series of fridges also include two humidity controlled CrisperDrawers to help keep food fresh for longer periods of time. Finally, its the little things that always seem to impress. An advanced refrigerator will have LED lighting to provide illumination without the heat. These new lights also last as long as your fridge and never have to be replaced.

Its not justfoodies who like their food fresh. Products like the Bosch Benchmark refrigerators use SuperCooling and SuperFreezing tech to temporarily drop the temperature of the fridge or freezer sections when new food is added. This keeps everything where it needs to be and helps your food cool faster.

Think all stainless appliances are the same? Or that energy efficiency doesnt matter, and tech is invisible? That cant be more wrong. When you put it all together, upgrades matter. Building with premium appliances can land you more business and differentiate you from your competition. Youll become known as the builder or remodeler who builds the nice kitchens. Word of mouth is your best friend. As your reputation for offering premium products grows, youll find that you end up with higher-paying clients who, more and more, appreciate the attention to detail and quality products.

Not everything should go premium in a new home or remodel, but the kitchen only (hopefully) gets done once. Why not steer your clients to something theyll truly enjoy and, more importantly, tell others about.Building with premium appliances can do just that.

For more information on current Bosch home appliances, check out their website.

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Building with Premium Appliances Upgrades Matter - Pro Tool Reviews (blog)

by Amy Lignor

There are a whole list of summer activities for you and the kids planned. Most of them, of course, you want to be nothing but fun, such as grilling outside on the patio or swimming in the pool. However, having the backyard pool and patio are two things you really need in place before either of those activities could be enjoyed. And building this area could be a great summer project in order to not only get the house you really want, but add value to the home for a future sale.

Whether youve been dreaming of updating, customizing or integrating more smart technology into the design of your current home, there are certain projects that provide a way for you to create that high-value The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has compiled a list of the highest ranking projects being done, as well as the high percentages of cash that homeowners are recouping from these various renovations.

The largest and most popular project in the U.S. is remodeling the kitchen. According to the NAHB, the number of remodelers working on kitchens is over 81%, with the average cost being spent on the remodel of $20,000. These minor kitchen remodels have homeowners recouping over 80% of the cost at the time of sale. (Major remodels of the kitchen have raised to an average of $62,000 in price, with a lower recoup of 65%).

It is important to take note with the kitchen area that before diving into the renovation project, have a plan in place. Interior designers have stated to look at this area like a work triangle between sink, refrigerator and range. Creating that safe and enjoyable triangle that offers easy functionality includes taking into account lighting fixtures, storage and work surfaces, as well as the heavy traffic areas of those who run through each and every day.

The second project that has homeowners recovering almost 65% of costs spent comes in the form of remodeling the bathroom. When upgrading the bath, adding to the trends and great design pattern would mean making the room more accessible (widening doorways, adding grab bars to the tub, enlarging cabinets, and replacing lighting fixtures). In addition, creating a decorative space that offers the perfect vinyl wallpaper surrounding new tile work, updated shower controls, and more.

Another project comes in the form of room additions. Adding extra rooms to the house, such as a family room or a master suite, can range in cost from minor to major considering the plan you have in mind. However, up to 71% of these costs can also be recovered at sale time, depending on the design. Staying on trend is a good thing when it comes to the latest in technology, lighting and heating fixtures, and music systems, yet buying into all color and design trends on the market the minute youre doing your renovation can be a mistake for resale value. After all, trends come and go, but the classic colors remain the same.

Lastly, if youre looking for a project that will raise the value of your home even higher, replacing windows, doors, and insulation are good things. Starting with the front door of the dwelling, replacing this has earned the second-highest return on investment when compared to other remodeling projects, with homeowners who spent an average of $1,413 recouping 90.7% of the cost. (Remodelings 2017 Cost vs Value Report). And when it comes to garage door replacements, as well as upscale window replacements, not only do homeowners recoup a great percentage of costs, but they also improve curb appeal and make the home more energy-efficient. You can also receive financial tax credits from various local, state or federal tax credit programs in the U.S.

So, as you plan your summer renovation project, just know that money can be made whether adding a room or even converting the basement into a multi-functional living space for the whole family. Of course, if youngsters are present, you can add a little added extra home improvement by sound-proofing the walls.

Source: Baret News

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Add Value with Summer Home Renovation Projects - Staugnews

Idaho Statesman

The building boom in big Treasure Valley office buildings is about to end Idaho Statesman Commercial construction in Downtown Boise had barely started to rebound from the Great Recession when the Gardner Co. decided in 2012 that the time had come to think big. Gardner executives liked the area's swelling population and pent-up demand, ...

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The building boom in big Treasure Valley office buildings is about to end - Idaho Statesman

Thestructures owner and architect call it a meditation room but that doesnt seem to do it justice. Its more of a pod. You might even argue its a cabin.

Whatever you call it, its in the basement of the building at 1110 Vermont Ave., NW to attract, retain, and appease the younger workforce of today, says Matthew Lefkowitz, a representative of the buildings owner, Epic. We wanted to think in the Millennial mindset.

With DCs office vacancy rateat itshighestpoint in decades,its not surprising that landlords are getting creative to keep occupantsin place. Lefkowitz says the pod is also intended for napping and yoga (the building offers free classes inside it). It was designed byarchitect Gavin Daniels of Wingate Hughes, who also included a game area, conference room, and bar and lounge space in the basement.

Daria Hall, who works in the building at nonprofit Americas Promise Alliance, says her employer often usestheconference room and lounge, but she and her colleagues werent sure what to make ofthe pod:We actually didnt quite know what it was supposed to be used for. But it sounds like meditationis that what you said?

There should be no ambiguity about the landlords next move: free beer. Lefkowitz says theyre in the process of getting a liquor license so they can have a keg in the basement on Fridays.

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Is This Thing What Millennials Really Want at The Office? - Washingtonian.com

Construction of the new 1300 Building in Midtown was on hold until MassMutual chose to abandon the suburbs and make the building the firm's new home. [Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman]

Every year Oklahoman Real Estate Editor Richard Mize provides a snapshot of the office market for both downtown and the city as a whole. And his latest report, based on data accumulated by firm Price Edwards, was pretty bleak.

Office vacancy throughout the city jumped to 22 percent. Devon Energy, which had committed to leasing 250,000 square feet at the BOK Park Plaza, is looking to sublease that space following a dramatic change in oil since construction started on the 27-story tower.

An 11-story office building built by SandRidge Energy, meanwhile, remains empty a year after construction was completed.

Mize also noted the energy market is picking up, and smaller leases are beginning to backfill some of the space. Suburban office construction came to a halt, Mize noted. But downtown, construction continues and we're not just talking about BOK Park Plaza.

Andy Burnett, who along with Mark Beffort bought the historic Pioneer Building downtown, is in discussions with non-energy firms to anchor the building with a potential retail tenant to occupy the first floor.

Other developers are succeeding at attracting firms located in the suburbs. With renovations wrapping up at the Heritage Building (formerly known as the Journal Record Building), Bond Payne not only relocated his operations from north Oklahoma City but also drew an accounting firm, Eide Bailly, to make a similar move.

Eide Bailly, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm, will occupy the 20,000-square-foot first floor the Heritage Building starting in November.

Eide Bailly's current office of close to 60 staff members is housed in the Valliance Tower on Northwest Expressway, where the firm has resided on the 19th floor since 2005.

For Eide Bailly, the move downtown coincides with outgrowing their current space. It was when Greg Jones, partner-in-charge of Eide Bailly's Oklahoma City and Norman offices, discussed a downtown option with friend and client Payne that it all fell into place.

We evaluated a number of locations throughout Oklahoma City, but ultimately decided that The Heritage with its blend of classic and modern design and its downtown location would be a perfect fit for us as we move toward a future of growth and success, Jones said. We are excited for the move downtown and the opportunities it will bring, especially being in a building with so much history and significance in our community.

When Michael Nichols first bought a decades-old one-story office building at 1300 N Walker Ave., his plan was to build a small headquarters for his firm, Iconic Construction. But as the area developed, he realized the site could support a more ambitious two-story building.

After a little bit of development and reasoning, I determined it was best to make the property something great, Nichols said. So we decided to build a two-story building facing the property line with great street access.

The design, inspired by buildings Nichols saw in New Orleans, would draw heavily on that experience with the creation of balconies, awnings and the building being built out to the sidewalk. High casement windows were designed to give the appearance of the building having been built in the years after statehood.

Nichols saw no challenges in building a speculative office building with oil selling at $100 per barrel. He launched into design and planning while redeveloping the corner of NW 16 and Broadway for his own company.

The site was cleared. A sign showing the building rendering was posted. And then passers-by noticed everything had ground to a halt.

Once again, a suburban operation looking to move to the heart of the city filled the gap as Richard Labarthe, looking for a new home for MassMutual, discovered Nichols' plans.

My wife Pat Ball wanted to have brunch down here on a Sunday at Louie's, Lebarthe said. We noticed that Michael Nichols had his sign up. And Pat suggested looking at it.

The talks advanced quickly as Lebarthe worked with Mark Burson, a general agent at MassMutual, to create a new hub that would better appeal to young professionals. The major tweak requested was the addition of a glass-encased third floor for event space.

Only the first floor remains available with a bank set to open a retail branch. Lebarthe believes downtown area office space will continue to diversify as it stands out from traditional suburban locations.

There is so much energy and vibrancy here in Midtown, Lebarthe said. It's a mixture of different generations, many amenities and a lot of restaurants. It's in the middle of all the action.

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Space race: Non-energy firms claim newest downtown office space in Oklahoma City - NewsOK.com