Torgerson Design Partners HQ planned at site of collapsed building

Torgerson Design Partners LLC is working with the city of Ozark on plans for a new headquarters in the city's downtown area.

The architecture firm, which currently operates at 116 N. Second Ave., is seeking to develop a nearby vacant lot at 101 W. Church St., where a building collapsed in late 2022. The Ozark Board of Aldermen is scheduled to vote May 6 on the design for the four-story building after rejecting an initial design presented April 15, according to a news release. Board members reportedly voiced concerns that the building wouldn't fit with other structures on the historic square.

"The ball was in his court, and he was open to it," Alderman David Snider said in the release, referencing his ask to firm founder and principal architect John Torgerson for a revised plan with additional historic elements. "We met again, and he introduced a revised design with a more historic appearance."

Officials with Torgerson Design Partners said in a Facebook post yesterday that the company "refined our proposed building design to blend with the history of the square while also providing momentum for the future."

"Torgerson Design Partners listened to the public’s various suggestions and ideas regarding the historic downtown square and how new construction can be compatible. We studied other successful historic downtown areas and met with a few Ozark downtown investors for their point of view," the post reads. "These actions provide a better understanding how a new building can successfully impact our community. Our goal is to create a space that fits within the Ozark square and that our firm can be proud to showcase our brand to our community and visiting clients from over 30 states."

City of Ozark Communications Director Maria Neider said via email that Torgerson owns the lot on Church Street. The Ozark Board of Aldermen has oversight for the design of the building since the property is located within the historic overlay district and the C-4 central business district zoning codes.

"These two city codes are in place to protect and preserve the history of the square along with the downtown area; therefore, the concept of the building has been submitted to the Board of Aldermen for review and approval," Neider said.

The former building on Church Street collapsed in December 2022, according to past reporting. Neider said demolition of the building was completed in January 2023.

Springfield Business Journal previously reported on Torgerson Design Partners' plans for a new office at the corner of West Jackson Street and North Third Street.

Reached this morning, Torgerson said via email that the firm would like to remain on the square.

"When the building collapsed, it was a devastation; however, it created an opportunity for us to remain on the historic square," he said via email.