Derrick architecture firm relocates to new offices

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Laura Jean Derrick has been a practicing architect in Springfield since 1986, working with Allman-Webb-Williams, Casey/Hill, The Casey Associates and finally starting her own business in 1995. Recently, Derrick moved from offices downtown to a new location, 607 N. Jefferson, Ste. B.

When Derrick started out on her own, she spent the first year working out of her home.

Derrick said her intention in starting her own firm was to follow her heart. She enjoys working with older structures, she said, and she is interested in preserving buildings that deserve restoration, or at least renovation, if restoration is impractical or not possible.

"I saw a potential in Springfield for restoration and renovation, and that's what I like," she said.

Since starting her own firm, she has left a trail of renovated, restored and revitalized structures, as well as brand new ones, in her wake.

She worked on the design of 313 Park Central West, a 100-year-old building owned by Dianne Elizabeth and occupied by Springfield Business Journal. The location was originally the site of a livery stable until the current building was constructed near the turn of the century in the space between two existing structures, Derrick said.

Although the building had to be gutted, much of the wainscoting and other interior materials were salvageable and the building received a face lift in a style befitting its historic background.

Upon completion of the renovation, Derrick established her office on the top floor of the building.

Derrick said while she has seen progress with the regeneration of properties in the downtown area, there is still a long way to go to revitalize the area in and around the public square. Small businesses have renovated buildings and set up shop, but some of the larger buildings are still vacant and are deteriorating, she said.

Part of the problem, according to Derrick, is that the city has been unwilling to address critical issues about the infrastructure, problems that would hamper construction of a major project downtown.

Stormwater, sewer and other utilities are all issues that must be addressed before bankers will be willing to invest in a major downtown project, Derrick said. "Banks are waiting for the city to make a wholehearted effort to solve infrastructure and parking problems."

Derrick's architectural firm now has three other associates. Derrick spends most of her time in marketing while architect Rene Wade keeps up with the production end of the business. Colleen Boswell works as business manager for the firm and Christy Martin, architect apprentice, does whatever is needed to fill in the gaps.

Major projects for Derrick's office in recent years include the Lebanon Publishing Offices, a renovation of an 80-year-old building for modern use