When this Topeka corporation learned its office lease would not be renewed, it viewed the situation as an opportunity to establish a permanent headquarters. The organization purchased a vacant 24,000-square-foot office building and engaged Civium Architects to transform the two-story structure and basement into a modern, collaborative workplace tailored to its long-term needs.

The building underwent a complete interior renovation, including replacement of all HVAC systems. The lower level was reimagined as a multifunctional employee and client amenity space featuring a large conference and training center with a serving kitchen, fitness center, and mothers' room. The first and second floors were organized with private perimeter offices surrounding an open office environment, complemented by conference rooms, flexible huddle spaces, and employee break areas that support both formal meetings and informal collaboration.

Reflecting our client's preference for a more traditional aesthetic, the interior design blends rich wood finishes, classic moldings, and timeless detailing with contemporary workplace planning and technology. The result is a warm, professional environment that encourages collaboration while conveying the organization's established character and long-term commitment to its clients and employees.

The executive suite and Board Room occupy the south end of the second floor, where windows frame panoramic views of the Kansas State Capitol and the downtown Topeka skyline. To further capitalize on these views, a new rooftop terrace was created to provide an outdoor gathering space for client events and employee lunches. A new entry tower housing a stair and elevator provides direct access to the terrace while also allowing each floor to function independently, giving the building the flexibility to accommodate multiple tenants should the owner's space needs change in the future.

One of the project's greatest engineering challenges was the rooftop terrace itself. Because the existing roof structure was not designed to support an occupied assembly space, the terrace was engineered as an independent structure that "floats" above the roof. Overhead transfer beams carry the terrace loads to four existing structural column locations, allowing the new amenity to be constructed without overloading the original building.

Owner: Withheld at Owner request

Size: 29,000 sf

Services provided: programming, architectural design, interior design, construction documents, construction administration, furniture coordination