When The Next Gallery moved out of its space in the Elks Building on Laura Street, some of Downtown’s “creative spark” left with it, but the deficit didn’t last long.
Last week, John Allmand, an accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) architect, moved into the space.
When he’s not designing sustainable buildings or renovations, he’s president of the Murray Hill Preservation Association and a member of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.
After beginning his career with Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Allmand struck out on his own two years ago, beginning with an office in his home that led to moving and sharing an office with two other architects.
A few months ago, while working at Midtown Centre on the Southside, he was consulted on an interior design project at the Elks Building on Laura Street.
The building caught his eye and the streetscape caught his imagination.
“Seeing this building got me thinking. Architects should be in a dense, urban environment,” Allmand said.
Thinking soon led to talking with the property manager and that led to Allmand signing a lease to move his business Downtown.
He said he first considered moving into a space on an upper floor, but decided that being at street level would offer opportunities that would go beyond being just a place to work.
Setting up shop in what was at one time an art gallery and working studio also was inspirational.
“Architects are artists, so a former gallery seemed to be a nice fit. Being on the street will allow us to be part of Art Walk,” said Allmand.
He is reviving the gallery environment for the space and will be exhibiting the work of local artists.
Allmand said he has established a diverse client base, taking on projects from a free-standing retail tire center to residential addition projects and historic restorations.
“We specialize in anything that comes through the door,” he said.
As a licensed interior designer, Allmand said he appreciates the opportunities all around his new office to develop new clients who also will be moving Downtown.
One of his most recent projects was part of the design for the new Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub at the Landing.
Allmand said even though he’s only had his new door open for a few days, he’s already noticing the Downtown atmosphere, which he said is far different than working in a suburban office park.
“People have been stopping by and introducing themselves. It’s a nice neighborhood,” he said.
“I had always imagined having my own architectural firm and having my office Downtown. Having it happen is awesome,” said Allmand.
356-2466