Offices

Meet the New Tenants in John Q. Hammons' Old Offices

Renovating the top two floors of the John Q. Hammons building to become the offices of Kutak Rock was no small feat. Take a look at how they did it.

By Haley Phillips

Jan 2020

Photo by Brandon AlmsFormerly John Q. Hammons’ offices, the top two floors of the John Q. Hammons building now look totally different since Kutak Rock moved in. The renovated office is now an entirely different space complete with modern details, a brightly lit lobby and many fewer walls than the original design. Renovations of the office saw the two floors stripped bare, which allowed the firm to build a customized space to meet its needs. Purchase Photo

Renovating the top two floors of the John Q. Hammons building to become the offices of Kutak Rock was no small feat. With a wishlist including an open floor plan, an abundance of natural light and room for growth, the only path to success was to try and start fresh.

Photos by Brandon AlmsIn lieu of the customary cubicle, McCubbin and her team opted for large desks with plenty of room for functionality and storage. Unobtrusive glass panels between desks allow separation without blocking natural light, and acoustical ceiling tiles and a white noise system minimize distracting sounds. “We are extremely pleased that Paragon Architecture’s open-concept design provides significant natural light to all of our employees, increasing productivity and morale,” says Mike Textor, a transition partner with the firm. Purchase Photo

Photos by Brandon AlmsTo keep clients’ information secure, visitors only have access to the eighth floor. For this reason, the main level of the office is outfitted with five conference rooms for client meetings, depositions and mediations. Like this room dedicated to Lake Taneycomo, each room is named after a local body of water and has artwork related to the body of water and a view of the city. Purchase Photo

Photos by Brandon AlmsIn addition to the break room, the renovation includes a private meeting space for attorneys that is accessed through a secret door that looks like a bookshelf, the brainchild of Patrice McDonald, interior designer at Paragon Architecture and project manager for the renovation, and Audrey Garard of Grooms Office Environments. Dubbed the Law Club, the room has dark wood finishes throughout and allows for relaxed, informal meetings for attorneys and clients. “It is a great space for meeting with and entertaining clients,” says Randell Wallace, a transition partner with Kutak Rock. Purchase Photo

Photos by Brandon AlmsDetails unique to the firm and its team are spread throughout the office, including the painting displayed in the lobby. Tying in colors used in the adjoining areas, the piece was painted by one of the firm’s associates, Joshua Christensen, and ties the room together. “I don’t know that we could have found a more perfect piece of art for our lobby,” says Madeline McCubbin, office manager of Kutak Rock. Purchase Photo

Photos by Brandon AlmsMaking the most efficient use out of the building’s footprint required abandoning old-school thinking that more senior attorneys should have larger offices. The highly functional space allows for collaboration among the attorneys and staff but also allows for Kutak Rock to have as many lawyers in 12,000 square feet as the former space did in 19,000 square feet. Purchase Photo

Photos by Brandon AlmsPart of the office renovation included designing and installing a new office break room that's modern and inviting. The new space has all the amenities needed plus a great view of the Springfield skyline. Purchase Photo

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Offices

Meet the New Tenants in John Q. Hammons' Old Offices

By Haley Phillips

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