When the Ames Chamber of Commerce wanted to consolidate their separate offices to a single location within Ames’ centralized Main Street Cultural District, they seized the opportunity to move into this historic two-story building. The Chamber wanted to create an inviting space open for use by all members and businesses, not just the Chamber staff.

The main challenge was to create a cohesive office layout between two levels while respecting the historic character of the interior space. The solution was to create a receptionist desk on the main level to direct visitors either to the second level offices or to the first level conference rooms, creating a clear delineating line between public, semi-public and private spaces.

The modern conference/board room on the main level utilizes traditional material in white oak casework and accent walls, set in juxtaposition to the contemporary all-glass corridor walls. The partial height walls of the board room and “portal” ceilings expose and celebrate the historic tin ceiling. The overall effect is a modern and contemporary interior design that respects the historic character of the building, reflective of the traditional yet progressive values of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.