Two local businesses relocate to bigger spaces
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which has had offices in the area for more than 50 years, has relocated to the high visibility location at 950 Trade Centre Way in Portage.
The company which was in its previous Portage location on Creekside Drive for seven years have moved into a 9,000-square-foot office space in the Trade Centre development is located at the northwest corner of I-94 and South Westnedge Avenue.
Three former tenant spaces in the building were combined to create the space to accommodate Blue Cross Blue Shield. The work by AVB took about two months.
The new location enhances Blue Cross Blue Shield’s ability to provide service to its members says Jeff Connolly, senior vice president, large group business and president, West Michigan.
“Our new facility is conveniently located, provides a customer-friendly office environment and a better and more efficient use of space, which enables our team to enhance our walk-in customer service capabilities for members, including seniors,” says Connolly.
Roger Hinman and Joe Gesmundo purchased the entire 32-acre property off I-94 in 2003. Since then, two office buildings, a Courtyard by Marriott, and Homewood Suites by Hilton have been developed at Trade Centre Way. Plans for the remainder of the development include restaurants and possibly another three-story office building.
Growing law firm decides to relocate
For 28 years the law firm Levine & Levine has worked from the historic Isaac Brown House at 427 S. Burdick Street. Now they are relocating to the 14th floor of the Fifth Third Bank building, 136 E. Michigan Ave.
Randall and Sharan Levine, husband and wife founders of L&L, first opened their practice in the doctor’s office connected to the Isaac Brown House. Over the years, the firm expanded to fill the entire home.
Levine & Levine Attorneys At Law now has seven lawyers and has outgrown the 148-year-old Italianate house on Burdick Street that still has the carriage mounting block out front.
“While we have enjoyed maintaining and caring for the historic Isaac Brown House, it’s time for another owner to care for the home as we did for many years,” says Sharan Levine.
The new location in the historical art deco Fifth Third Bank building, will allow for the law firm to grow in a more efficient office setting, its founders say. The firm specializes in criminal defense, family law, business law, appeals and estate planning.
Randall Levine says the move will allow them “to grow our practice and grow the firm’s next generation of leaders.”
Sources: The Hinman Co. and Levine & Levine
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