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RENOVATION OF LIFE BUILDING NEARS COMPLETION

Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana – May, 2003 – Renovation of the historic Life Building at Third and Main streets in downtown Lafayette has reached a milestone with four floors and the grand lobby completed, work on the final floor in progress.

Stuart & Branigin LLP,the building’s owner and occupant of the top five floors, is funding the $2 million project, due to be completed early this summer.

“What we’re doing is much more than a remodel of the 10-story building,” said Erik Spykman a Stuart & Branigin partner. “When the Life Building was constructed in 1918 and 1919, it incorporated the very latest in design—from a central vacuum system to elaborate lighting and air circulation techniques. It even featured retail show windows in the second and third floors, typical for upscale shops in that era.”

The current project includes installation of state-of-the-art electrical, mechanical telecommunications and computer systems, indicative of a new era, he said. “Now, we’re returning the building to that premiere status, incorporating today’s technologies while preserving the structure’s unique historical feel and elements.”

In the lobby, historic lighting has been returned and the sweeping marble staircase has been cleaned and refurbished. The ninth floor includes Stuart & Branigin’s client reception area, conference center and kitchen.

The renovation work is being overseen by Tom Walter of Lafayette’s Link Management. “We’ve had up to 50 trades people working in the building, some days as many as 25 at a time,” Walter said.  Interior design work in the Stuart & Branigin space and the lobby is by Olivia Nesbitt of Lafayette’s Interior Concepts. 

Nearly 25 professional firms and businesses currently operate in the Life Building, with space available for lease ranging from a 400-square-foot suite to an entire 5,100-square-foot floor.

“Spaces in this landmark building can be renovated to suit a tenant’s specific needs,” said Steve Shook of Coldwell Banker Commercial, 742-5096, leasing agent. Parking for tenants and visitors is provided in a lot just north of the building. “This is already a high-profile location on the Courthouse Square. Completion of the interior work will peak interest in the building even more.”  

Stuart & Branigin has been housed in The Life Building since its opening.  The firm marks its 125^th anniversary this year and will host a business after-hours reception in September in connection with the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.  

A full-service firm with offices in Lafayette and Indianapolis, Stuart & Branigin LLP has been providing legal services since 1878.  Today, the law firm’s staff of over 30 lawyers provides legal representation in diverse areas including civil litigation–corporate and business law, estate planning and administration, taxation, transportation, construction, environmental, banking and creditors’ rights, healthcare, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, international law, labor, employment, real estate, securities, finance and educational institutions law.