Welsch Flatness & Lutz Corporate Headquarters
St. Louis, Missouri
Two eight-story, turn of the century buildings—formerly Hamilton–Brown Shoe Company—were renovated as corporate headquarters of Welsch Flatness & Lutz. The project goal was to restore these two historic buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into modern “state of the office” space, highlighting the past, and looking towards the future. The interior design features completely exposed ceilings, beams and brickwork to highlight the historic structure.
The architects opened a brick wall to connect the buildings and added a stairway between the first and second floors to facilitate smooth work flow. Welsch, Flatness & Lutz employees can use the stairway to move quickly from floor to floor without using the elevator. The interior suggests permanence, stability and a progressive nature, which is basic to the culture of the ownership and their brand. The Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) gave this project an “Award of Excellence.”