A Michigan-based architecture and engineering firm with a national presence will move their headquarters from Lansing's northern perimeter to downtown this September.
C2AE will relocate 55 employees into the fifth floor of the Hollister Building, located at 106 W. Allegan. The 13,500-square foot space in the century-old building is being redesigned to reveal interior architectural features like exposed brick, concrete beams, columns and piping. Natural wood and tile will be among the elements creating a signature look.
"We're a big fan of repurposed buildings," says Bill Kimble, president of C2AE. "We also wanted to be part of downtown, to be in a more walkable district with restaurants and services instead of having to get in a car and drive 10 miles to meet a client or get somewhere."
Kimble says the new space will be right-sized for the current needs of the company and will foster a productive work environment through common and collaborative spaces. Staff will have fewer individualized offices, and will work in areas that increase interaction among staff in different functional areas. A ping-pong area, kitchenette and eating space will also contribute to the ambience.
"When you're doing architecture and infrastructure work and other complex projects, you need team members to talk to each other," says Kimble. "We don't want people working in silos. The increased collaboration will improve our product."
C2AE got its start in Lansing in 1966 under the name of Capitol Consultants. The company began as a two-person enterprise and focused on the design and build of wastewater treatment plants. In the next three decades, the company expanded into mechanical and structural engineering work, including road design, infrastructure and municipal architecture.
In 2005, the company merged with Grand Rapids' Design Works AE and became a full-service architecture and engineering firm operating under its current name. C2AE serves government, transportation, health care, education and industrial markets. Local projects include project management and underground work for the Cooley Law School Stadium and the General Motors Grand River Assembly Plant, and the multi-phased expansion and renovation of the
East Lansing Public Library.
The company is licensed to work in 18 states, with active projects in eight. C2AE expects to fill the Lansing office to a capacity of 70 employees within the next five years. About 30 people work in one of the five C2AE offices across Michigan and New York State.
"We're here to partner with our clients for the long-haul," says Kimble. "We study and get to know our clients, and become their trusted adviser."
Source: Bill Kimble, President, C2AE
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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