New headquartersÉHBA expands with a little help from its friends

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

Executive Officer Louise Henson and her staff beam with pride when they show off the new Home Builders Association of Springfield headquarters at the Woodhurst complex.

Located in Building R, behind HBA's former offices in Building Q, the new suite takes up half of the building, doubling the organization's previous space. The association had been in its former location for 11 years and had completely outgrown it, Henson said.

Space had become so cramped in the old offices that boxes were piled in the hallway, leaving hardly enough room to get around, Henson added. The association also had a rented storage building, which it was able to do away with in the move.

"We now have everything in the same place. Even things we use seasonally," Henson said.

The added space gives room for not just one, but two conference rooms. The elegant entry is flanked by Henson's office on one side and the bookkeeper's office on the other, with a 9-foot, double-door entry to the main board room.

The large storage room in the back provides shelf space for materials to be arranged for easy access. The room, complete with windows, is large enough to allow for another small office, should the need arise.

In the center of the suite is a workroom which houses office machinery, such as the copier, fax and other equipment.

For the first time the association has a security system and panel-controlled lighting, to provide extra atmosphere to its surroundings.

The interior was virtually gutted when the project began, according to Henson. New wiring and interior walls were installed to provide state-of-the-art comfort and maximize the space allotted.

The lush green-and-burgundy interior is complemented with muted ceramic tile in soft beige. The ornate woodwork is finished in soft, natural tones to accent the darker, richer colors in the carpet and walls.

One wall of the board room is filled with a built-in credenza, which is used for serving coffee and refreshments, and includes a hidden cabinet television with VCR capacity.

The suite contains two bathrooms, a fully operational kitchen with eating area, and a smaller board room which doubles as a workroom, providing a large work area on the conference table.

Some of the furniture was salvaged from the old offices, but most of the furnishings are new. Perfectly matched to the decor, the chairs are plush and the countertops granite.

Between the bookkeeper's office and the entry, a glass-block wall allows the bookkeeper to see anyone coming into the reception area especially helpful when the receptionist is away from her desk.

Contractors Sam Bradley and Russell Caldwell worked together on the project, with architect Larry Burns providing the plans and Jane Paul the interior design.

Many other suppliers and construction people contributed to the project in labor or materials.

"Quite a list of both members and nonmembers played a part in the renovation," Henson said.

Some of them donated services and material. Others worked at a reduced rate. The cooperation was outstanding, Henson stated.

HBA will hold an open house Dec. 3 for members and invited guests. A plaque commemorating those who had a part in the project will be unveiled at the reception.

PHOTO CAPTION:

The new Home Builders Association offices, now complete, benefited from volunteer work and donated and reduced-price materials.

PHOTO CAPTION:

A Dec. 3 open house is planned to show off the finished work at the HBA office, pictured here in progress.

INSET CAPTION:

Contractors Sam Bradley and Russell Caldwell worked together on the project, with architect Larry Burns providing the plans and Jane Paul the interior design.[[In-content Ad]]