Giving an Old Space New Life
In September we had the pleasure of hosting an open house event to unveil our stunning new office located on the third floor of the historic Create 319 Building in downtown Des Moines. With approximately 5,000 square feet situated in the heart of central Iowa’s vibrant design community, this move marks a new chapter for our agency.
The Create 319 Building has been transformed into an unassuming masterpiece. The early 1900s brick structure, formerly home to the A.A. Schneiderhahn electronic appliance warehouse, has been tastefully renovated over the last decade and now houses multiple businesses and entrepreneurs mainly with creative focuses.
Occupying only a fraction of the second floor of the building, our team had grown to fill every square inch available and then some. As the agency continued to flourish, principal Rob Beaman searched for a solution. When the third floor suddenly became available, he knew it was the perfect canvas for our vision, giving us the right balance of flair and function. Preserving its historical character while incorporating modern design elements was the key to creating a space that honors its roots and reflects our commitment to innovation. From exposed brick to timber beams, the aesthetic bridges past and present, seamlessly blending the building’s architecture with the cutting-edge products we represent.
A Space to Connect and Inspire
Our open house wasn’t solely to showcase the new office; it was a heartfelt thank-you to the design, construction, and distribution professionals who made this transformation possible. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the relationships that have driven our success over the years. The event offered a preview of how our space fosters collaboration and creativity -- not only for our team but also for our clients and partners.
Many of our guests had a chance to experience “The Hut,” our rooftop area featuring a glass enclosure boasting views of the Des Moines skyline. Designed as a retreat for our staff and a unique venue for hosting customer events, The Hut is a symbol of how we at CSLA value human connection. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment of reflection or engaging in a lively discussion about the future of design, this space has already proven to be an invaluable addition.
A Space Where Design Meets Functionality
The design of our office is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful application. While the space is not a showroom, it serves as a real-world demonstration of how the products we represent can enhance architecture and elevate the experience of a built environment. Our office integrates products from numerous esteemed manufacturers in ways that highlight their practical and artistic applications.
Additionally, our partnership with Steven Vail Gallery brought the space to life with artwork that complements the overall ambiance. We’re grateful for their assistance in curating pieces that add a creative touch without overshadowing the architecture and lighting design.
Products Used:
Acuity Brands: NLight controls, Gotham downlighting, Juno track, and Peerless Venue.
Focal Point: Mora series.
Artemide: Unterlinden and Eggboard.
Elliptipar: S320.
iGuzzini: Laser Blade and Trick.
Meteor: Vela 4.
ETC: DMX control and Colorsource Spot V.
Lightglass: Simulated windows.
Lightly: Butterfly.
Eureka: Frank.
Fluxwerx: Portal.
Louis Poulsen: PH5 and Panthella.
LSI: LX and BPM series.
Luminii: Kendo S.
Vode: Zip3 suspended.
A Space with a Brilliant Future
While we’re still catching our breath after completing this special project, we’re absolutely thrilled about the opportunities our new office provides. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a comprehensive hub that allows us to more effectively market and present the products we represent to the Design, Construction, and Distribution communities.
We look forward to hosting everyone in our space in the years to come, whether it’s for a meeting, an event, or simply to enjoy views of the Des Moines skyline together.
