Location, Location, Location!
By Michelle Witthaus
Before committing to downtown we looked into several options for our new facility, including leasing existing ready-to-occupy office space and building a new office in Lewiston or Clarkston.
Although the existing condition of the Pinch building was at first daunting, we fell in love with the possibilities that the building provided. In June, 2007 we began working with Castellaw Kom Architects to design the renovation of the building, which essentially ended up being a complete demolition of the existing structure to the shell.
We learned a lot along the way. We found that it was extremely important to team with an architect and contractor familiar with not only permitting and historic preservation, but with design and construction techniques for 100-year old buildings that were not built to the same standards we use today.
Flexibility during construction was important, as each day something unexpected was uncovered. Perhaps the biggest design and construction lesson learned was that these types of projects take more time than one would ever expect.
Being in downtown Lewiston has been monumental for the success of Northwest Media. We underestimated the adage, “Location, Location, Location”, thinking our industry was exempt. Our location has been vital to our brand recognition.
And perhaps just as important is providing a space that is an attractive and comfortable place to work each day…a place that we can be proud to share with our customers.