Grand Rapids, Mich., July 11, 2013 — Wolverine Building Group of Grand Rapids has begun the interior expansion of Smith Haughey’s Grand Rapids office into the Ledyard Building, located at 125 Ottawa NW, with a projected completion date of mid-August.
In November 2011, Smith Haughey relocated to the Flat Iron Building, Grand Rapids’ oldest commercial building. Smith Haughey also teamed with Wolverine for the initial 26,600 square foot project, which included a ground floor reception area, office space and conference rooms, and a rooftop deck. After three years in the new space, Smith Haughey has decided to expand in an effort to support continued growth.
“The new space is being constructed with the same principles as our existing space, using smaller offices and efficient workflow to maximize our productivity and maintaining the architectural integrity of the historical building,” states Lori L. Gibson, Chief Operating Officer for Smith Haughey. “Also, we continue to follow LEED standards by reducing our environmental footprint such as using environmentally-friendly products and strategically placing office space near existing windows to promote natural lighting,” continued Gibson. “Another important LEED standard is building in a location that is in close proximity to vital community services. This build out maintains that commitment.”
The build-out project includes an additional 4,100 square feet on the third floor of the Ledyard Building. The expansion will add five attorney offices, three professional offices, eight staff work stations, three conference rooms, a nursing mother’s room, and additional file storage areas.
“As with all historic renovations, this project presents some unique challenges,” says Marcus Ringnalda, Wolverine Building Group’s project manager. “We’re creating a new connection between two unique buildings and renovating the space to maintain the same look and feel of Smith Haughey’s Flat Iron location. This build out is exciting for our attorneys and staff as it strengthens our support of the downtown Grand Rapids community and our commitment as an employer to growing our local workforce.”